117 

.C3R9 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 






UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



.4'^.!^f«i£iii 



i§r9. 



RUSK'S 

Illustrated Gi^uide 



TO THE 



^ 



^OM 



'^^^^*M 



itSkill ^oui^tkin^ ; 



WITH 



MAPS AND PLANS. 



Samuel E. Rusk, Publisher, 
Catskill, N. Y. 






Price, with -''rof. A. Gnyot's Map of the Catskills, 75 Cts. 
Price, complete, without the above Map, 25 Cts. 



Season of 1879. 
CATSKILL NIGHT BOATS. 



The Coolest, most Comfortable, and in every 

respect THE BEST WAY to reach 

THE CATSKILL REGION. 



The Splendid New Steamers 
ESCORT, Capt. JAMES STEAD, 

C. VANDERBILT, 

Capt. CHAS. RU TON. 

Leave New York from Pier No. 34, foot of Harrison Street, 
Daily (except Sunday,) at 6 P. M. 

Leave Catskill Daily (except Saturday) at 6 P. M. 

Fare to Catskill, One Dollar. Berths Free. 

Through Tickets from New York 

At the fallowing rates, with no extra charge for Berths : 

Leeds $1-25 Paddock's Cor's.$2.25 Prattsville §2. 50 

South Cairo 1.50 Oak Hill 2.00 • Manorkill 3.00 

Cairo 1.75 Potter's Hollow . . 2.25 Conesville 300 

Acra 2.00 East Windham.. 2.50 Gillioa 3-00 

Freehold 2.00 Windham 2.50 Palenville 2.00 

South Durliam.. 2.00 Union Society... 2.50 Tannersvillo . .. 2.50 

East Durham . . . 2.00 Ashland 2.50 Hunter 2.00 

Durham 2.00 Red Fall.s 2.50 Lexington 2.00 

Meals furnished on board at 50 cents. 

Churchill's, Haines', and Baldwin & Tubbs' Stages leave the wharf at Cats- 
kill every morning on arrival of the Boat, for Cairo, Durham, Windham, 
Prattsville, Ashland, Gilboa, Palenville, Tannersville, Hunter, Lexington and 
all Poi.its in the Catskills. 

Omnibusses and Carriages in attendance from all the principal Hotels and 
Boarding Llouses. 

Telegraphic communication between Catskill and all parts of the County. 
Wires direct from the Steamboat Oflice. 

Particular attention ]iaid to the transportation of Horses and Carriages, for 
which excellent accommodations have been provided. 

N. B. From July 1st to Sept. 15th. the Sunday Night Boat will leave 
Catskill at 7 instead of 6 P. M. 

Staterooms may be secured in advance, or information obtained, by appli- 
cation to WM. DONAHUE, Caiskill, N. Y, 



AN 



Illustrated Guide 



TO THE 



CATSKILL MOUNTAINS; 



WITH 



Maps and Plans. 



SAMUEL E. RUSK. 



A BOOK OF FACTS. 



c .^ OF ^ 



lr^,37|- 



SAMUEL E. RUSK. PUBLISHER, 
CATSKILL, N. Y. 



\^ Mu<^. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by , 

SAMUEL E. RUSK, A 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 

All rights reserved. 



F. H. WEBB, 

Printer aiid Stereotyper, 

Hudson, N. Y. 






TO THE READER. 

The number of visitors to the Catskill Mountains has in- 
creased ten fold during the past fifteen years. A wide-spread 
desire has thus been created for accurate information concern- 
ing the different locahties ; how to reach them ; where to go, 
and what to see. 

The author having, with Professor Guyot, and alone, made 
surveys and measurements of the Mountains, and having been 
acquainted with the place and its inhabitants for many years, 
has had an opportunity for obtaining much information valuable 
for a reliable Guide. 

The work throughout is intended to be of a practical charac- 
ter. The book is made for every-day use, in reaching the Cats- 
kills, and in walking and driving among them. 

The few poetical extracts inserted give perfect descriptions of 
the scenery to which they are applied ; in fact, some of them 
were written concerning these particular places. 

It is well known that guide books are too frequently prepared 
in the interest of those who pay the most money for advertising, 
thus often deceiving the purchaser. Such matter is presented 
in these pages as the author supposes the public desire, entirely 
independent of any preference or influence of any house or 



4 RUSK'S GUIDE. -TO THE READER. 

locality. Every advertisement contained herein is in the form 
of an advertisement. 

The map of the Mountains, found in one edition of the 
Guide, has just been prepared from accurate surveys made 
especially for the purpose by Professor A. Guyot, of the College 
of New Jersey. It is the only map of the Catskill Mountains 
that has ever been made. 

The other map, embracing the section where most hotels an;: 
boarding-houses are centered, has been made from actual sur 
veys, to show the location of all houses and objects of interest, 
with the roads and paths leading to them. 

Most of the illustrations have been drawn from Nature and 
engraved especially for this Guide, and they are faithful repre- 
sentations of the subjects. No previous engravmgs have been 
made of many of these scenes. 

Words printed in full face type call attention to prom- 
inent features in various paragraphs. The index will facilitate 
reference to anything mentioned. 

The author acknowledges his indebtedness to Professor 
Guyot for the use of all of the figures showing the altitudes of 
various places in the Mountains, which are here given to the 
public before their publication by him ; also for many other 
favors, tending to make this little work more accurate and 
complete. 

This Guide will be frequently revised, so that each edition 
may be relied on as correct to date. 



RUSK'S GUIDE. 



Hotel and Boarding-house Directory. 



Parties corresponding with any of these houses in reference to board will 
coiifer a favor by mentioning Ri'SK's Guide. See index, in back of book, 
lor advciLisements. 





CAIRO. 










Post-office Accommod 


ation 


Walters' Hotel, 


Walters Brothers, 


Cairo. 


50 




Telegraphic address, Cairo, 


N Y. 






CATSKILL. 






Grant House, 


Grant & Cornell, 


Catskill, 


300 


Gunn's Hotel, 


Enos Gunn, 


Catskill. 


75 


Irving House, 


H. A. Person, 


Catskill. 


100 


Olney House, 


George R. Olney, 


Catskil), Box 338. 


30 


Prospect Park Hotel, 


Prospect Park Hotel Co. 


, Catskill. 


400 


Salisbury House, 


James Salisbury, 


Catskill, Box 366, 


25 


Summit Hill House. 


P. M. Goetchius, 


Catskill. 


150 




Telegraphic address, Catskill 


, N. Y. 






CATSKILL MT. HOUSE. 




Catskill Mountain House, 


Catskill, N. Y. 


400 


Telegi 


i-aphic address, Catskill Mt. House, N. Y. 
PAINES' FALLS REGION. 




Clifton House, 


E. F. Haines, 


Catskill, Box 71 


80 


Glen Cottage, 


Owen Glennon, 


Catskill 


45 


Haines' Corner, 


Miles A. Haines. 


Tanners ville. 


40 


Haines' Falls House, 


C. W. Haines, 


Catskill. 


80 


High View House, 


Mrs. G. W. Reed. 


Catskill. 


25 


Maplewood, 


E. H. Layman, 


Tannersville. 


25 


Roe's Cottage, 


Hiram Roe, 


Catskill. 


20 


Shady Grove, 


John O'Hara, 


Catskill, 


35 


The Vista, 




Catskill. 


25 



Telegraphic address, Haines' Falls, N. Y, 

HENSONVILLE. 

Griffin's Rural Retreat, O. S. Griffin, Hensonville. 

Telegraphic address, Hensonville, N. Y. 

HUNTER. 

Central House, J. Rusk & Son, Hunter. 

Hunter House, M. C. Van Pelt, Hunter. 

Telegraphic address, Hunter, N. Y. 



25 



65 
80 



RUSK'S GUIDE. 



KISKATOM. 

• Post-ofRce. 

[ lalf-Way House, David Bloom, Catskill. 

Telegraphic address, Catskill, N. V. 



Accommodatioi : 
50 



LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 
Laurel House, J. L. Schutt, Catskill. 

Telegraphic address, Laurel House, N. Y. 

OVERLOOK MT. HOUSE. 
Overlook Mt. House, James Smith, Woodstock. 

Telegraphic address, Overlook Mt. House, N. Y. 



125 





PALENVILLE. 






Hawver House, 


P. Hawver, 


Palenville. 


40 


Maple Grove House, 


Philo Peck, 


Palenville. 


100 


Palenville Hotel, 


Peter Burger, 


Palenville, 


40 


Pine Grove House, 


C. DuBois, 


Palenville. 


75 


Pleasant View ^louse. 


George Haines, 


Palenville. 


i8 


Sunny Slope House, 


P. H. Sciibner, 


Palenville. 


40 


The Winchelsea, 


Theo. C. Teale, 


Palenville. 


40 




0. Adsit, 


Palenville. 


16 




T. N. Lawrence, 


Palenville. 


25 


Telegraphic address, Palenville, 


N. Y. 






TANNERSVILLE. 






Blythewood, 


Mrs. Alex. Hemsley, 


Tannersville. 


60 


Cascade House, 


G. N. Eggleston, 


Tannersville. 


45 


Elm Cottage, 


Miss L. A. Craig, 


Tannersville. 


15 


Fairmount House, 


William Wooden, 


Tannersville. 


40 


Meadow Brook House, 


A. Stimpson Haines, 


Tannersville. 


35 


Mountain Home, 


Aaron Roggen, 


Tannersville. 


85 


Mountain Summit House 


, S. S. Mulford, 


Tannersville. 


75 


Tannersville Cottage, 


George Campbell, 


Tannersville. 


20 




Frank Eggleston, 


Tannersville. 


15 


Telegraphic address, Tannersville, N. Y. 






WINDHAM. 






Osbom House, 


0. R. Coe, 


Windham, L. Box B. 


40 


Windham House, 


Sherman Munger, 


Windham. 


65 




John Soper, 


Windliam. 


30 




L. S. Graham, 


Windham. 


15 



Telegraphic address, Windham, N. Y. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— ALTITUDES. 



^ALTITUDES 

Above mean tide in New York harbor of some of the princi- 
pal peaks and points of interest in the Catskill Mountains, as 
measured — 

By a. Guyot. 

Hunter Mountain 4,040 

Black Dome 4,003 

Black Head 3,945 

Big Westkill Mountain 3,896 

Stony Mountain, east end 3, 841:1 

Mink Mountain 3,807 

High Peak 3,664 

Schoharie Peaks, west and highest peak 3,^5*-' 

Rusk Mountani 3,624 

Indian Head, west and highest peak 3,581 

Windham High Peak 3,534 

Round Top 3>S°^ 

-West Peak 3,44^^ 

North Mountain, • East Peak 3,28£ 

^The Outlook 3,108 

Ashland Pinnacle 3,420 

Plaateikill Mountain, approximate 3j28o 

Easlkill Mountain, approximate • • • ■ 3, 190 

(highest. Barometer Station B. Zt^^b 

Colonel's Chair, • 

i north end. Barometer Station A 3»037 

Overlook Mountam 3, 150 

East Jewett Mountain 3>146 

Overlook Mountain House 2,978 

Pisgah Mountain 2,905 



lo RUSK'S GUIDE.— ALTITUDES. 

Indian Pass, highest point of trail between Plaaterkill Mountain and 

Indian Head 2,694 

Mink Hollow, highest point of road 2,629 

i'arker Hill i ". 2,545 

South Mountain 2,497 

Chun Hill , 2,372 

Catskill Mountain House . 2,225 

Catskill Lakes 2,138 

Point of Rocks . . 2,128 

Sunset Rock, on South Mountain 2, 1 15 

Laurel House . . 2,038 

Grand View House . Ii97'^' 

The Vibta .„ 1,932 

Tannersville, Mountain Home ... ...... I.926 

Plaaterkill Falls, Dibbles 1,855 

Stony Clove Notch, approxniia'e .... ,... 1,700 

Hunter, J Rusk & Son's .- 1,609 

Windham 1,510 

Lexington . > . , . 1,320 

Sleepy Hollow I 290 

Prattsville 1,164 

Kiskatom, toll-gate . , . 687 

Palenville, Palenville Hotel . . 680 

Woodstock 594 



*By special arrangement with Professor Guyot this list ot altitudes is first 
given to the public through this Guide, which is copyrighted Parties are 
cautioned against publishing any part thereof without permission. 

Hunter Mountain is the highest point in the Catskills. In the South Cats- 
kills is one mountain higher — Slide Mountain, reaching an altitude of 4205 feet. 




IHE (A TSKILLS. 



For more than half a centu- 

),\ ry the Catskill Mountains have 

been visited by many who have 

^^- - sought a few weeks summer 

SANTA CRUZ FALLS. recrcation. While, until about 

(865 they might have been counted by hundreds, since that 

time each season has added to the number, so that now thou- 



12 RUSK'S GUIDE.— THE CATSKILLS. 

sands annually visit this region. The hotel and boarding-house 
accommodations have kept pace with the increasing influx of 
people. 

Many things combine to attract the health and pleasure seek- 
ers to this section : It is so near New York and easy of access 
by cars and steamers of the Hudson. The atmosphere is pure 
and invigorating and the temperature on the mountains is fif- 
teen degrees lower than at New York. There are always cool 
breezes. The place is free from chills and fever, malaria, and 
hay fever ; it affords relief from these things. Owing to the 
altitude of the mountains, a change of climate is experienced 
equal to that of going to a much more northerly latitude with- 
out the increased elevation. In a small compass is a varied 
combination of magnificent scenery, and panoramic views in- 
clude a large section of the Hudson valley and extend across it 
into six states. 

There is a growing custom of remaining among the mountains 
later in the autumn than was formerly done ; and this is a com- 
mendable practice, for October brings mountain beauties and 
pleasures that mid-summer does not possess. 

PRICE OF BOARD. 

The price of board in the Catskills varies from five dollars a 
week to three dollars and a half a day. The large houses pro- 
vide comforts and conveniences equal or superior to similar 
priced houses in many other parts of the country, while a large 
number of smaller ones give perfectly satisfactory accommoda- 
tions at from eight to ten dollars a week. The price at some 
houses is frequently higher than at some other similar ones, on- 
account of being in a more desirable locality. 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. 



ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. 

THE PRINCIPAL WAY. 

The most direct route to the greater part of the Calskill 
Mountains is by the way of Catskill. The village is situated 
on the west bank of the Hudson River, at the junction of the 
Catskill Creek. It is one hundred and ten miles from New 
York, and thirty- three miles from Albany. 

TO CATSKILL FROM NEW YORK. 

From New York, Catskill may be reached by the New York 
and Albany Day Line of Steamers, C. Vibbard and Daniel 
Drew ; by the Hudson River Railroad ; and by the Catskill 
Night Boats, Escort and C. Vanderbilt. 

The Day Boats leave New York every morning, except 
Sundays, throughout the summer, landing at Catskill Point 
in the middle of the afternoon. The Point is the name of the 
dock built out a short distance into the Hudson where it is 
joined by the Catskill Creek. Those who desire to enjoy a 
delightful sail, and to have an opportunity for viewing the va- 
ried scenery along the "River of the Mountains," as the Hudson 
was called by the Spaniards, will make the journey by these 
palatial steamers. A pocket map, entitled "The Hudson by 
Daylight Map," with descriptive pages, will' be' useful to the 
stranger, by showing prominent resiJence-, historic landmarks, 
and other interesting objects on the banks of the river. The 



14 RUSK'S GUIDE.— ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. 

fare from New York to Catskill is one dollar and fifty cents. 
(See index in back of book for time-table.) 

The numerous trains on the Hudson River Railroad 
stop at Catskill Station, making the time from New York 
from three and a half to four hours. Catskill Station is on the 
opposite side of the river from The Point, and is connected 
therewith by ferry. The ferriage is thirteen cents. Parties can 
usually leave New York by a train as late in the day as be- 
tween eleven and twelve o'clock, and yet reach Catskill as early 
as the boats do. The summer fare is two dollars and eighteen 
cents j being less than in winter. (See index for time table.) 

The Catskill Night Boats leave New York every even- 
ing, except Sundays, and reach Catskill early the following 
morning. They have very comfortable accommodations ; thus 
assuring a good night's rest on the cool water. Sometimes they 
land at The Point, and at other times up the Creek, near the 
business center of the village. Full particulars may be learned 
by consulting a time-table in this book. (See index.) The fare, 
including berth, is one dollar. 

TO CATSKILL FROM ALBANY. 

Three lines of conveyances may be used to reach Catskill 
from Albany. The Day Boats previously mentioned, which 
leave Albany in the morning and arrive at Catskill before noon ; 
the trains of the Hudson River Railroad, which noake the trip 
in about an hour; and the steamer City of Hudson, which 
leaves Albany in mid-afternoon and reaches Catskill in the 
evening. The fare by the boats is fifty cents, and by the cars 
seventy-six cents. ' (See^index for time-tables.) 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. 15 

CONVEYANCE FROM CATSKILL TO THE MOUNT- 
AINS. 

Conveyances, in great variety and abundance, are always 
found in waiting at Catskill on the arrival of the boats and cars. 
Many of them run from particular hotels and boarding-houses ; 
others convey parties to any of the houses in certain localities ; 
while the livery-men of the village will provide vehicles for an\ 
place that may be desired. The omnibuses are present to carry 
to the village hotels. 

People who engage board before going to the Mountains — 
the greater number do so — usually arrange at the same time 
for their conveyance to the house. This has been found to 
be a desirable plan : for, both time and the inconvenience 
sometimes incident in securing a satisfactory carriage are thereby 
avoided. 

In the description of each particular locality mentioned in 
these pages, under its appropriate head, may be found the spe- 
cial details concerning conveyance to it. (See index for names 
of places.) 

For the Catskill Mountain House, the Laurel House, Palen- 
ville, Haines' Falls, Tannersville and Hunter the road crosses 
the Catskill Creek, in the village. 

Three miles and a half out, over a hilly region of varied 
beauty, the Cauterskill Creek is crossed in a deep valley. In 
ascending the hill on the west side, there may be seen, down 
toward the creek, half a mile to the left, an old, low, stone 
house. From this house, in 1781, David Abeel and his son 
Anthony were taken prisoners by a band of Indians and tories, 
and carried to Canada ; stopping for one or two niglits in the 
Old Indian Fort, between High Peak and Round 1'op. 



I6 RUSK'S GUIDE.— ROUTES TO THE CATSKILLS. 

Half a milft farther on is Glenwood Hotel, and another 
half rnile reaches the Mountain Retreat House — both 
located in Kiskatom — and ai an elevation above the Hudson of 
some three hundred feet. The name K^'-katom is said to be of 
Indian origin, meaning hickory Uee or nut. These trees abound 
in this region. 

Just beyond this point roads diverge : the one to the right 
leads to the Mountain House and Laurel House, while the left 
hand one passes up through the Cauterskill Clove. 

The road out of the upper end of Main Street leads, by way 
of Jefferson, to Leeds, Cairo and Windham. At Leeds, three 
miles from the village, the road passes over a picturesque old 
stone bridge. 

THE RONDOUT ROUTE. 

The Overlook Mountain House, Hunter, and some places in 
the south-western part of the Mountains, are most conveniently 
accessible from the Hudson by the way of Rondout Rondout 
is a part of the city of Kingston, situated on the west bank of 
the Hudson, opposite Rhinebeck. Its distance from New York 
is eighty-nine miles, and from Albany fifty-three miles. 

TO RONDOUT FROM NEW YORK. 

Trains on the Hudson River Railroad; and the New York 
and Albany Day Boats, stop at Rhinebeck. The boats leave 
New York in the morning and land at about two o'clo'fck. A 
ferry connects with Rondout. The fare by the cars is one 
dollar and seventy-six cents, and by the boats one dollar and 
twenty-five cents. Thei^ewiageis thirteen cents. 



RUSK'S GUIDE— ROUTES TO THE CATSKTLLS. i7 

By way of the Erie and Wallkill Valley Railroads, Rondont 
may be reached direct. The fare is one dollar anc righty-eight 
cents. There is, also, a line of Night Boats which leave New 
York late every afternoon, except Sundays, and arrive at Ron- 
dout early the following morning. The fare by these boats is 
seventy-five cents. 

TO RONDOUT FROM ALBANY AND FROM THE EAST. 

The facilities for reaching Rondout from Albany are by the 
Hudson River Railroad ; and the Day Boats, which land 
between twelve and one o'clock. The car fare is one dollar 
and eighteen cents, and the fare by boats is seventy-five cents, 
to Rhinebeck. 

The western terminus of the Rhinebeck and Connecticut 
Railroad being at Rhinebeck, parties from the East can con- 
veniently make that their line of travel. 

TO THE MOUNTAINS FROM RONDOUT. 

Having arrived at Rondout by any of the several converging 
lines mentioned, passage to the mountains is continued by the 
Ulster and Delaware Railroad. 

The places that are mentioned in these pages, for which this 
route should be chosen to reach, may be found, with descrip- 
tions of the same, under suitable headings. Here, also, may 
be learned the proper railroad stations to leave and other par- 
ticulars. 




PLAN OF 



by-S^muzlE/.P^ 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL AND VICINITY. 



CATSKILL VILLAGE AND YICINITY. 

The name Catskill was derived from the Dutch Katzkill, 
meaning cats' river or stream • probably so called from the 
many panthers or wild cats that formerly infested this locality 
and the mountains bearing the same name. 

Only a small part of the village is visible from the Hudson 
or even from the landing at The Point. A narrow ridge of 
land hes between the river and the Catskill Creek ; and it is on 
the western slope of this ridge, along the creek, where the 
greater part of the village is situated. From the river, however, 
a few comfortable looking residences appear along the top of 
the ridge. The one large building overlooking the Hudson 
from the southern end of the ridge, and which is so conspicuous 
from the landing and from quite a long distance along the river, 
is the Prospect Park Hotel. 

The sketch on another page will convey an idea of the 
Mountains as they appear from Catskill. A distance of ten 
miles reaches the nearest point of their base, and an elevation 
of some seven hundred feet above the Hudson. From this base 
they rise, almost perpendicularly, thousands of feet in their per- 
petual sublimity. 

While, midway between the northern and southern Hmits of 
the lofty peaks forming the front of the range, the Catskill 
Mountain House stands in full view, the Overlook 
Mountain House is barred from sight from this point by 



22 RUSK'S GUIDE. -CATSKILL AND VICINITY. 

the dark clothed summit of Overlook Mountain on whose 
southern slope it is located; but, from a short distance down 
tlie river, it stands out in as clear relief against the sky as the 
Catskill Mountain House does from here. 

There, on his back, lies the Old Man of the Mountains, 

seemingly unmindful of the many storms that sweep his rocky 
bed. The tri-topped Indian Head forms his rugged visage, 
pillowed between Schoharie Peak and the long slope of High 
Peak ; the Plaaterkill Mountain, his high heaved chest ; while 
the Overlook Mountain outlines his drawn up knees. 

The Cauterskill Clove and Plaaterkill Clove are the only deep 
gorges cut through the eastern side of the mountains. No finer 
view of the Hudson valley can be had than that from the sum- 
mit of High Peak. The maps will show the arrangement of 
the Mountains. 

Catskill being the grand gate-way to the mountain region, 
and possessing within its precincts so many attractions delight- 
ful to the summer pleasure seeker, — it is not surprising that 
many choose to view the varied mountain scenery from this 
stand-point. Its locality, directly on the great Hudson River 
thoroughfare, provides convenient access to New York for those 
who can leave the city but a day or two at a time. 

There are special conveyances from the Prospect 
Park Hotel and the Grant House to the bca';s and cars. 
From the Irving House and Gunn's Hotel, located on 
Main Street in the business center of the village, omnibuses 
meet all boats and trains. 

Besides the hotels, Catskill village contains some private 
boarding-houses. There are six churches, two banks, an opera- 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL AND VICINITY 



house, an academy, two 
weekly newspapers, a pa- 
per mill, a foundry and a 
woolen factory. There are 
numerous stores with vari- 
ous lines of goods. Cats- 
kill being the shire-town of 
the county, the court-house 
is in this village. 

The Post-office is cen- 
trally located at 244 Main 
Street. There are three 
or four mails each day be- 
tween this place and New 
York. This office receives 
and forwards nearly all the 
mail of Greene county. It 
is also a Money Order 
Office. 

The Western Union 
Telegraph Office is at 

275 Main street. Money 
Transfers are made by 
telegraph between this and 
all other large Western 
Union offices. There is 
also a summer office at the 
Grant House, on the Cats- 
kill, Cairo, and Windham 
line. An office of the 
American Express Com- 
pany is at 266 Main street. 



Overlook Mt. Hous 
I <\ . rk.ok Mountain. 



Plaaterkill Jlountain. 

East Peak. 
Indian Hea.l. 

3581 WestPe.ik. 
East Peak. 
Schoharie Peaks. 

3650 West Peak. 



Catskill Mt. Hors 



z 


Tl 


e Outlook 
311 W 


5" 


W 


^t Peak. 
;;-.'H5 
St Peak, 
.3440 



/ Windham High Peak. 
- -■ 3534 ■ 



24 RUSK'S GUIDE.-CATSKILL AND VICINITY, 

Sixty thousand brook and salmon trout were procured and 
put in the creeks and ponds of the towns of Catskill and Cairo 
in 1876-7 ; and Greene county now has, in successful opera- 
tion, an establishment for hatching trout and other fish and re- 
stocking all the lakes and streams of the county. Many thous- 
ands of young trout have thus been already suppUed. The 
establishment is located on a fine trout stream at Palenville. 
(See index for "Greene County Fish Hatchery.") 

For boating, no better places need be desired than the 
Hudson River at this point, and the Catskill Creek. There 
are plenty of row boats and small sail boats obtainable. 

JEFFERSON HEIGHTS 

Is a part of Catskill. It is a mile from the center of Catskill 
village. On this plateau are located the Grant House and 
some other smaller boarding houses. 

WALKS ABOUT CATSKILL AND VICINITY. 

The fine river view and view of the mountains from the 
grounds around the Prospect Park Hotel claims this as an»ng 
the first walks to be made in Catskill. The residence of 
Church, the artist, appears on a high hill which rises from the 
eastern bank of the Hudson almost opposite. 

Admirably located on the hill in the upper part of the village 
are the residence and studio of the late Thomas Cole, N. A., 
of "The Course of Empire" fame. His "A I,ake with Dead 
Trees" and "The Falls of the Cauterskill" were painted after a 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL AND VICINITY. 25 

visit to the Catskills. That he was greatly deh'glited to be 
among the mountains is evinced by the following fragments 
from his pen : 

Friends of my heart, lovers of Nature's works, 
Let me transport you to those wild bhie mountains 
That rear their summits near the Hudson's wave. 

and: 

Oh, for an hour 
Upon that sacred hill, that I might sleep, 
And with poetic fervor wake inspired ! 
Then would I tell how pleasures spring like flowers 
Within the bosom of the wilderness. 

Two hours or less will suffice for a walk up to, and around 
the Grant House and return. 

Three-fourths of a mile above the Grant House is Hope 
HoUcw or Austin's Glen, in whose cool recesses a half- 
hour may be pleasantly spent. This Hollow was the course oi 
a railroad in their earlier days. A spring of cold water furnishes 
drink for the thirsty. 

DISTANCE FROM CATSKILL BY THE MOST 
USUAL ROUTE 

TO 

Acra 13 

Ashland 30 

Cairo , , 10 

Catskill Mountain House 12 

Cauterskill Clove 10 

Durham 22 

East Durham 15 

East Windham . < , , 19 



26 RUSK'S GUIDE.-CATSKILL AND VICINITY. 

Freehold 15 

Forge 10 

Haines' Falls 13 

Hensonville 25 

Hunter 20 

Jewett Heights 28 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House , 14 

Kiskatom 5 

Leeds 4 

Palenville 10 

Prattsville 36 

South Cairo 8 

South Durham 16 

Tannersville 15 

Windham 26 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. 27] 



PALENYILLE. 

The hamlet of PalenviUe is located directly at the en- 
trance of the Cauterskill Clove and is the most western part of 
the township of Catskill. It was named from a family by the 
name of Palen, who built three tanneries here ; first, a small 
one, and soon after, two large ones — all dating near the begin- 
ning of the present century. The enterprise was successfully 
carried on for many years. There is yet a large tannery in 
operation on the site of the one last built by the Palens, — thi- 
only one remaining anywhere in this region. Where the other 
large one was located, there is now a woolen factory which was 
built several years since. Half a century ago, Greene county 
produced more leather than all the rest of the State of New York. 

The base and sides of the mountains above PalenviUe art 
dotted with many quarries, producing large quantities of pavmg 
and building stones, which are shipped to various cities through- 
out the United States. 

PalenviUe is but nine miles from Catskill and its general ele- 
vation is seven hundred feet. The first summer boarders here 
were artists, who found this an admirable region in which to 
obtain choice studies, — from amid such varied mountain wild- 
ness as is seldom found more alluring than in the Cauterskill 
Clove and its surroundings. There are now many first-class 
summer boarding-houses here, accommodating from a dozen 
to a hundred people each, and they are well patronized. The 
place is certainly a pleasant one. 



28 RUSK'S GUIDE. -PALENVILLE. 

The time of day at Palenville is the same as at New York 
City, for the Hue of longitude three degrees east from Washing- 
ton or seventy-four degrees west from Greenwich, passes through 
both places. 

Stages and private conveyances meet parties upon arrival 
at Catskill, and the drive out, over good roads, is enjoyable. 
The stage fare is one dollar, which includes baggage. There 
are plenty of conveyances to be had for drives to the places 
of interest in the vicinity ; such as the Catskill Mountain 
House, through the Cauterskill Clove, Haines' Falls, Kaaters- 
kill Falls, and Sleepy Hollow. The points here mentioned are 
so located that a round trip of fifteen miles will reach all of 
them, but such a trip would not allow sufficient time to properly 
see them in detail. 

There are two daily Mails ; the post-office being at the 
store of Charles H. Teale. 

A Western Union Telegraph Office, with direct wires to 

New York, is located in the post-office. 

In the centre of the hamlet is a Union Church. Measures 
are being taken to build an Episcopal Chapel in the place. 

The Greene County Fish Hatchery is located in Palenville. 
(See description elsewhere.) This is a novel attraction, espe- 
cialh for visitors wlio are interested, but who have not hitherto 
had an opportunity to examine the science and art of piscicul- 
ture in its practical working. 

Near the upper part of the Cauterskill Clove is a small stream, 
ernpt) ing into Santa Cruz Creek, on which arc Eridal Veil 
Falls — well seen from near The Winch elsea after prolonged 
rainb. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. 29 

WALKS ABOUT PALENVILLE AND VICINITY. 

DISTANCES FROM THE POST-OFFICE. 

MILES. 

Artists' Grotto and La Belle Falls, in Cauterskill Clove. . . i 

Catskill Mountain House, by path via Moses' Rock 3 

Drummond Falls ... i 

Fawn's Leap and Profile Rock, in Cauterskill Clove 2 

Fish Hatchery , i 

Haines' Falls, by road 4 

'* " by path via Haines' Ravine, — including 

Shelving Rock and The Five Cascades 4 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, via Cauterskill Clove 

and Kaaterskill Ravine,— including Bastion Falls .... 4 

Moses' Rock 2 

Mossy Rock 2^ 

Palenville Overlook 2 

Santa Cruz Falls 3 

Sunset Rock, via Kaaterskill Ravine and Laurel House. . 5 

White Fawn Falls and Black Crook Falls # 

4 

Many of the points of interest near Palenville are in the 
Cauterskill Clove and are described under that heading. (See 
index.) 

DRIVES IN THE VICINITY OF PALENVILLE. 

DIC-IAM ;ES from the POST-OFFICE BY THE MOST USUAL ROUTfS. 

MII.ES. 

Aroiind South Mountain, via Cauterskill Clove, Haines' 
Falls, Kaaterskill Falls, Mountain House, and Sleepy 
Hollow, — ^roulfid trip. .'.'. ..*.-;.. . . . . . ... 15 



3° RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. 

Catskill Mountain House, via Haines' Falls ,T. . 8 

" " " via Sleepy Hollow 6 

Cauterskill Clove, — through it, to Haines' Falls 4 

Drummond Falls i 

Fish Hatchery i 

Haines' Falls 4 

Hunter 1 1 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, via Haines' Falls ... 6| 
" " " " " via Sleepy HoUow.. 8^ 

Overlook Mountain House, via Woodstock i6 

" " " by new road via Plaaterkill . . ii 

Plaaterkill 6 

Stony Clove 13 

Tannersville 6{, 

DRUMMOND FALLS. 

WALK OR DRIVE IN PALENVILLE. 

Drummond Falls are one mile south from the Union 
Church, and but a few yards off of the road leading to Sau- 
gerties. The path starts on the left from an abrupt turn in the 
road just beyond the Drummond Falls House. The distance 
to the Falls from the post-office is, also, one mile ; by the road 
on the right, which is shaded a considerable portion of the way. 

The Fountain Kill is here formed into a foamy cascade of 
pleasing detail, as it makes a sudden descent of some forty feet. 
The walls on either side, and a huge mound of red sandstone, 
which stands near below, give evidence that the erosive power 
of the water has gradually formed this attractive nook. A little 
way on, the stream unites with the Cauterskill. 



RUSK'S GUlDE-DkUMMOND FALLS. 



3t 




DRUMMOND FALLS. 



32 RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. 

BLACK CROOK FALLS. WHITE FAWN FALLS. 

WALK IN PALENVILLE. 

Black Crook Falls and White Fa-wn Falls are both 
on the Fountain Kill, but a few rods apart. The distance to 
them, either from Mrs. Hinman's, near the Winchelsea, or from 
the Union Church, is half a mile. 

The path east of Mrs. Hinman's house is first across the 
fields, and then in a growth of small oaks and pines, amid which 
the Falls are found. From the road, north of the Church a 
fourth of a mile, starts the path which leads up the mountain, 
via Moses' Rock, to the Mountain House. The White Fawn 
Falls are a httle to the left of this path, an eighth of a mile 
along. 

Neither of these Falls are more than a few feet in height, 
and yet the brook in its changing moods has a fascination 
which invites one to spend the morning here. 

By whichever of the two ways this spot is reached, the return 
is usually made by the other path. 

GREENE COUNTY FISH HATCHERY. 

WALK OR DRIVE IN PALENVILLE. 

The Greene County Fish Hatchery is about one 
mile south from the post-office, and located by the road, so 
that it may be reached by driving. It was established for the 
purpose of greatly increasing the supply of trout, and other fine, 
edible fish, in the numerous streams and lakes of the County. 
These waters are adapted to the habits of a variety of fish. 

The following figures show the work of the Hatchery in 
•tocking the waters for two years : 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -PALENVILLE. 33 

1878. 1S79. 

Brook Trout 288,000 200.000 

Salmon Trout 38,000 90,00c 

California Salmon , 1 5.00c 

White Fish 25,000 

Black Bass 

It is the intention to continue this undertaking for three 
years more, supplying about the same or an increased number 
of young fish as above shown during each year. The work is 
superintended by A. W. Marks, of the New York State Fishery. 

Salmon trout will seldom bite a bait, and are usually caught 
by troUing, or in nets. California salmon are taken with a fly. 
and black bass are the best fish for fly fishing that we have. 
All of the kinds mentioned, except the brook trout, are to be 
found in the lakes and large creeks instead of the small streams. 

An angler might be tempted to use his hook at the Hatch- 
ery, where 2,500 full-grown brook trout may be seen together. 
The crystal water of the winding Spring Creek, which 
flows by, and through the Hatchery, has the peculiar character- 
istics which the trout naturally seek. 

I come from haunts of coot and hem, 

I make a sudden sally, 
And sparkle out among the fern, 

To bicker down a valley. ■» 

* « « « • 

I chatter over stony ways, 

In little sharps and trebles, 
I bubble into eddying bays, 

I babble on the pebbles. 
» « • « • 

I wind about, and in and out, 

With here a blossom sailing, 
And liere and there a lusty trout, 

And here and there a j|;La^-ling. —Tetittj/son, 



34 RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. 



WALK FROM PALENVILLE. 



Palenville Overlook is the high point of South Mount- 
ain on the right of the entrance to Cauterskill Clove, and over- 
looks Palenville. A small house marks the spot. The distance 
from the post-office is two miles, and the roads and paths 
which wind up the rugged steep to it are shown on the majx 

Its elevation above Palenville is some fifteen hundred feet 
and the side of the mountain is so nearly perpendicular ihat 
the chief view of the houses below is of their roofs. The view 
of the Hudson valley is similar to the one from the Mountain 
House, but less extended. 

There is a path from here over South Mountain to the 
Mountain House — a walk of a mile and one fourlh ; and also 
another path along the side of the mountain which intersects 
the road below the Mountain House. 



RUSK'S GUIDE. CAUIERSKILL CLOVE. 35 



CAUTEKSKILL CLOVE. 

No visitor to the Catskills should depart without having seen 
'he many attractions of the justly celebrated Cauterskill 
Clove. It is a fact to be especially noticed that the greater 
number of the water-falls in the whole range of the Catskill 
Mountains are centered around this Clove. The roads from 
Catskill and Saugerties converge at the entrance, which is at 
the upper end of Palenville. It is three miles, or a little more, 
from here to the top of the mountain, and ten miles to Hunter 
— this road constituting the Hunter Turnpike. 

By the bridge, at the entrance of the Clove, is the quaint 
studio of the artist Hall. Opposite is the Palenville Hotel; 
at whose watering tub horses are watered when driving through 
tlie Clove. On the south side rises the long and steep slope of 
High Peak ; while to the north an almost perpendicular wall 
reaches the height of seventeen hundred feet above the road, 
at which point is the Palenville Overlook. 

Just above the toll-gate, an eighth of a mile along, is a path 
leading down the steep bank to the creek, where are located the 
Artists' Grotto and La Belle Falls. It will take but a 
few minutes to reach these interesting places. 

A few rods on from the toll-gate a land-slide extends from 
the road down to the creek, and on the opposite bank is a high, 
perpendicular wall of red sandstone. The passage between 



36 RUSK'S GUIDE.-CAUTERSKILL CLOVE. 

them is the Red Chasm. The projecting point of the top of 
the mountain above it is the Point of Rocks. Just west of 
this Point is a wild gorge, extending down the side of South 
Mountain, and partially dividing it, which is known as The 
Gulf. An old road or path, starting from the bridge at the 
entrance of the Clove, leads along up the side of the mountain 
and has several diverging branches which reach The Gulf at 
different elevations. 

Soon the road passes the cozy summer cottage of E. T Ma- 
son. A short distance more reaches the top of a hill at a turn 
in the road, to the right of which the creek flows through a de- 
file in the rocky barrier called Deep Chasm. 

The objects of special interest to be next seen are at More 
Bridge, — a trille more than a mile on the way, — which spans 
the Cauterskill. Church's Ledge rises close by the road 
and bridge, and part of its irregular side, seen from a point 
across the Bridge and a few feet to the right of the road, re- 
solves itself into the features of Profile Rock. More 
Falls are just below the bridge, and above, the water has 
worn queerish channels and circular cavities into the red sand- 
stone bed of the creek. 

At the west end of Church's Ledge is a gorge known as 
Hillyer's Ravine. Half way up the steep, visible side of 
the mountain it expands into a wide basin. Above are pre- 
cipitous chffs, down which dash the waters of a small stream, 
forming Viola Falls. (See description elsewhere of Viola Falls, 
Wild Cat Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Santa Cruz Falls, which 
are here only mentioned.) 

Froni More Bridge the road follows for a ways close on the 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 




VIEW OF MORE BRIDGE. 



38 RUSK'S GUIDE. -CAUTERSKTLL CLOVE. 

north bank of the Cauterskill, whose waters a few rods along 
come pitching down between the cleft rocks into a dark 
shaded pool below. This chasm is called Fawn's Leap ; 
tradition saying that a young deer, being pursued by a h^ioter 
an^ his dog, leaped across the gulf and escaped, while the dog 
fell into the water beneath and was drowned. The spot is so 
close to the road that but a few minutes will be consumed in 
stopping to view it. 

A small stream enters the Cauterskill above Fawn's Leap, up 
which are located Wild Cat Falls of a hundred feet in height. 

The curved side of South Mountain up to the right, with its 
many ledges rising one above another forms The Amphi- 
theater, best seen in the autumn when the foliage is less 
dense. At its western extremity the projecting part of the 
mountain forms Sunset Rock. 

At the base, the road passes along a flat where was once 
quite a hamlet ; but now only the Old Tannery Ruins 
and a few piles of stone on either side mark the sites of the 
numerous buildings that existed when the mountains furnished 
plenty of hemlock bark for tanning purposes. Behind the Tan- 
nery Ruins is Buttermilk Ravine with a pleasing Cascade visi- 
ble from the road, while the upper part of the Ravine contains 
the Buttermilk Falls proper. In crossing the flat, Santa Cruz 
Ravine may be seen on the left, descending the side of the 
mountain in an easterly direction. 

The road takes a short turn at the end of the flat and grad- 
ually ascends to Lake Creek Bridge. From here, up, is 
the really steep part ol the mountain road, a mile long, and 
people usually walk this portion to lighten the horses' burden 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -CAUTERSKILL CLOVE, 39 

A path leads up Lake Creek through the Kaaterskill Ravine 
to the Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, one mile distant, 
passing Bastion Falls on the way. To the left of the Bridge 
and opposite this path is another path ieading down to the Cau- 
terskill and thence up through the ravine to Haines" Falls, a 
mile and an eighth distant, passing by Naiads' Bath, Shelvmg 
Rock, and The Five Cascades. 

Dripping Rock is a moss- covered ledge by the side of 
the road half way up the mountain from Lake Creek Bridge 
over which flows a small stream of excellent potable water. 
During the remainder of the ascent the increasing exhilerating 
effect of the pure mountain atmos[>here is especially noticeable. 
A portion of Haines' Falls may be seen from a ways below 
Dripping Rock. 

Near the top of the mountain is a road to the right, called 
Feather-bed Iiane, connecting with the Mountain House 
road. It is steep and rough and not adapted to driving. A 
few yards more reaches the top of The Great Land-slide, 
which extends from the road fiown to the bed of the creek — a 
descent of nearly five hundred feet. The view from here do vn 
through the CauterskiU Clove and beyond to the Berkshire 
Hills of Massachusetts is much adn.ired and is specially delight- 
ful near the sunset hour. 

Having here reached the upper end of the CauterskiU Clove, 
it is but a short distance to the Haines' Falls House. 




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RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 43 



HAINES' FALLS KEGION. 

The name Haines' Falls has been used in three senses. 
First it was appHed particularly to the Falls ; afterward, also, to 
the house of Charles W. Haines, at the Falls ; and, more re- 
cently, any of the numerous houses within a radius of about a 
mile are mentioned as being at Haines' Falls. In order to 
clearly designate which is meant, it has been thought best to 
use the name Haines' Falls for the Falls only ; Haines' Falls 
House for the house there ; and Hames' Falls Region for the 
locality in general. 

The place is thirteen miles from Catskill, situated at the head 
of the long-time famous Cauterskill Clove, and, consequently, 
at the front of the mountain range. The view through the 
Cauterskill Clove extends beyond the Hudson, into Massachu- 
setts and Connecticut. The elevation above the Hudson of 
points where the houses are placed, varies from one thousand 
and nine hundred to two thousand and three hundred feet. 
On the south side the land rises quite abruptly to the summits 
of High Peak and Round Top, while to the north a more grad- 
ual ascent leads to the top of the North Mountain ridge. It is 
a region of much singular wildness and scenic beauty ; and 
many years ago, before other people had made it their summer 
home, noted artists sought it out as a rich field of subjects for 
tiieir canvas. The view of the Hudson valley, as seen from 
aear th« Shady Grovt House, is excellent. 



44 RUSK'S GUIDE. -HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

With the exception of a few hotels that have been in 
existence for many years, this region was the first to pro- 
vide summer boarding-houses among the Catskills. There are 
now many houses, with accommodations for from twenty to a 
hundred people each. While, during the past fifteen years, the 
accommodations have been increased forty-fold, there is, almost 
every year, added provision for the increasing influx of peojile. 

In this region is the Cauterskill and Schoharie water-shed, 
which sends the water east to the Hudson at Catskill, or, in the 
opposite direction ; flowing by the circuitous route of the 
Schoharie and Mohawk Rivers to the Hudson above Troy, and 
following in its course some two hundred and fifty miles to 
Catskill, where it is then but a dozen miles from its source. 

From most houses in the Haines' Falls Region convey- 
ances run daily to Catskill to meet the Day Boats each way, 
and the trains as late as half past three o'clock. For a later 
hour special arrangements can be made. The regular fare, 
including baggage, from Catskill is two dollars. 

Conveyances may be had for local excursions. 

The Mails between here and New York are sent and 
received daily or oftener — Catskill being the post-office. 

The Western Union Telegraph OflB.ce, with direct wires, 
is at the Haines' Falls House. 

There is a Methodist Episcopal Church, in which services 
of other denominations as well as its own are held. 




HAINES FALLS. 



46 RUSK'S GUIDE— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

WALKS ABOUT THE HAINES' FALLS REGION AND 
VICINITY. 

DISTANCES FROM THE HAINES' FALLS HOUSE. 

MILES. 

Catskill Mountain House, by path via Laurel House 3 

" " by road 4 

Clum Hill 2^ 

Fawn's Leap and Profile Rock, in Cauterskill Clove 2 

Haines' Falls 1-16 

Haines' Falls Ravine, — through it to Lake Creek Bridge. . i^ 

High Peak 4 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, by path via Prospect 

Rock i^ 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, including Bastion 

Falls, via the turnpike to Lake Creek Bridge ; thence 

up the Kaaterskill Ravine 2 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, by road 2^ 

Old Indian Fort, between High Peak and Round Top 4^ 

Overlook Mountain House, by path around the summit of 

High Peak to Plaaterkill ; thence by new road. 11 

Parker Hill 3 

Plaaterkill, by path around the summit of High Peak. ... 6 

Prospect Rock i 

Rifted Rocks } 

Santa Cruz Falls i 

Tannersville 2^ 

The Five Cascades, ^ 

Shelving Rock, ! -^ ^^.^^^, ^^^. , 

Naiad s Bath, | * 

Triton Cave, J 

The Sphinx, or Noah's Ark ". | 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -HAINES' FALLS REGION. 47 



To Buttermilk Falls, if; thence to Wild Cat Falls, ^ ; 

thence to Viola Falls, ^ 2f 

There are descriptions of nearly all of the above walks in 
these pages. (See index.) Where the routes are by direct roads, 
no descriptions are given. The map will show the location of 
these places and the way to them. 

DRIVES IN THE VICINITY OF THE HAINES' FALLS 
REGION. 

DISTANCES FROM THE HAINES' FALLS HOUSE, BY THE MOST 
USUAL ROUTES. 

MILES. 

Around South Mountain, via Mountain House, Sleepy 

Hollow, Palenville, and Cauterskill Clove, — round trip. 14 

Catskill Mountain House 4 

CautersJ<ill Clove, — through it to Palenville 3^ 

Cium Hill 2| 

Hunter 7 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House 2^ 

Overlook Mountain House, by new road via Plaaterkill . . .14^ 

Parker Hill 4! 

Plaaterkill 9I 

Sleepy Hollow, where Rip Van Winkle slept ! 6| 

Stony Clove ... 9 

Tannersville 2^ 

(See index to find description of above places.) 



48 RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

TO HAINES' FALLS AND UNDER THEM. 

At the east side of Haines' Falls House a road leads down to 
Haines' Falls, which are but a few rods distant from the 
house, on the Cauterskill Creek. Passing through a gate, a 
payment of twenty-five cents each is required. No charge is 
made for subsequent visits during the same season. 

A short, well defined path, to the right, leads through a 
growth of laurels on the brink of a precipice to the top of the 
Falls. Here, from the outer extremity of a pendent rock at the 
side of the Falls, the view disclosed is extraordinarily wild. 
The main sheet of water pours over the projecting rock into 
the narrow, deep-cleft gorge, a hundred and fifty feet ; while 
on the south side the waters of the beautiful Spray Fall 
make a sheer descent of a hundred and sixty feet. 

Just before passing over the Falls, the water descends a fifteen 
foot ledge. Its long continued action has worn a number of 
circular holes into the solid rock at the foot of the ledge. The 
principal cavity is several feet deep. Many sketches and 
paintings have been made of the view from the top of this ledge 
down through the ravine. 

Sometimes in winter a hollow icicle, an hundred feet in 
length, hangs from the top of thi' Falls ; and the water which 
flows with mufiled sound down through the interior forms, 
underneath, a huge cone of glistening ice. 

To go under the Falls, the path to the left of the gate 
should be followed. It is but a few steps to the first long flight 
of stairs. At their foot is a natural gateway, formed by two 
trees, one of which has grown so that the wall of rock is imbed- 
ded in its side. A few yards beyond this gate-way is Crystal 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 49 

Spring ; of pure, ice-cold water, which emerges from under- 
neath the massive ledge of rock that has just been descended 
Several more flights of stairs are passed, — from which glimpses 
of the falling water may be had throvjh the foUage, — befurf 
reaching the bottom of the Falls. 

The accompanying illustration was made from the foot of the 
Falls, and it is from this point that the most comprehcnsivi, 
view is olitaincd of their wildness and sublimity. While visitors 
arc down here, the ordinary stream of water is increased from 
I pond above, thereby adding to the beautiful spectacle. .'Vt 
such times it is avdisable to be down the stream as far as thr, 
stairs, umess one does not mind being drenched by the clone. 
')f spray. Farther down the gorge are The Five Cascades 
;See description.) The bottom of the Cascades is less than ;i 
fourth of a mile from the top of the Falls ; yet, in this short di.s- 
tance, the stream descends nearly five hundred feet. 

The Falls and Cascades were the subjects of numerous 
paintings, many years ago, by such artists as Kensett, Cassilear. 
Cole and Durand. In those days ropes and ladders were dail}, 
used in descending and ascendmg ; but now, good, safe stairs 
render access comparatively easy for the artists, with their 
implements, as well as for others ; and down here, Gilford and 
M'Entee have often been. 

THE FIVE CASCADES, IN H.MNES' RAVINE. 

All of The Five Ca: cades are within a distance of an 
..ighth of a mile below Haines' Falls. Crossing the creek at 
the foot of the stairs, the top of the first Cascade is just in sight. 
It is a fall of eighty feet. The stream should be followed down, 



^jj RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

on the right side, a little farther than this Cascade, where 
Jacob's Ladder — an extremely steep but substantial stair of 
some thirty steps — is to be descended. The first and second 
Cascades are near together, and the stream is recrossed between 
them. Another flight of stairs overhangs the side of the second 
Cascade, which is sixty feet high, and leads safely to its base. 
From here the path continues down the stream, on the kft 
side, past the third and fourth Cascades, to 

SHELVING ROCK AND NAIAD'S BATH. 

The illustration here given of Shelving Rock conveys 
an excellent idea of its appearance. As may be seen, it pro- 
jects far over the stream. The waters of the fifth Cascade 
tumble down underneath it, forming a beautiful pool, known as 
Naiad's Bath, — 

A lovely cave, 
Dusky and sacred to the Nymphs, whom men 
Call Naiads. — Odissey. 

The cut shows the fourth Cascade, in the background. The 
combined picture of the Rock, Bath, Cascades, and the irimme- 
diate surroundings is so enchanting that, when once seen, it is 
likely to be long retained in the memory, 

A gentleman, who has traveled many years in California and 
Europe, pronounces the view from Shelving Rock the most 
charming one of the kind that he has ever beheld. People 
make repeated visits to this spot and prolong them for hours. 

The ravine is walled in by perpendicular ledges the greater 
share of its length. On the north side, just below Shelving 
Rock, is a strata of rock, in some places five feet thick, con 
taining considerable copper and sulphur. 



1 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 



51 




SHELVING ROCK AND NAIADS BATH. 



From Shelving Rock the walk may be continued down 



THROUGH HAINES' RAVINE TO LAKE CREEK 
BRIDGE. 

One hundred yards below Shelving Rock, by a path on the 
north side of the stream, will reach the foot of The Great l»and- 
slide. If further procedure down the Ravine is undesirable, the 
Slide, itself, may be ascended to the road, — much more easily 



52 RaSK'S GUIDE.-HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

tlian its rugged appearance indicates. A hundred yards more, 
and the water pours over a perpendicular wall of solid rock to 
the depth of twenty-five feet. This is Delmura Fall, — the 
name being derived from the Spanish, meaning the wall. 

The creek itself may now be followed and many places seen 
which will well repay the needed exertion ; or, the walk may be 
more easily accomplished by taking an old wood road close on 
die nortii bank, which leads to the Hunter Turnpike, at a point 
just above the Lake Creek Bridge and nearl} opposite the path 
up the Kaaterskill Ravine. 

HIGH PEAK. 

WALK FROM THE HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

From Haines' Falls it is four miles, in a southerly direction, 
to the summit of High Peak. The elevation of this moun- 
tain i? 3664 feet, and it is conceded that its summit commands 
the most extensive view of any place in the Catskills. Parts of 
the path to it are not clearly marked, and it will be expedient 
to have a guide in taking this trip the first time. 

The path crosses the Cauterskill just above Haines' Falls, 
and, after passing across a sloping field almost to the ledge oi 
rocKs at the upper side, turns to the left and enters the woods 
from near the south-eastern corner of the field. The ledge 
mentioned constitutes the Rifted Rocks, which are well worth 
visiting. (See description.) Before entering the woods, a 
glance to the east will reveal the Laurel House and Kaaterskill 
Falls, directly facing. 

The route is now all the way through the dense forest. Fol- 
lowing a wood road, of gradual ascent, along the side of the 



I 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 



53 



mountain for a mile, Santa Cruz Creek is reached. The beau- 
tiful Falls of the same name are but a little way down the 
stream and may be easily visited in this trip, — it being prefer- 
able to leave them for a stopping place in returning. (See 
description.) 

Across Santa Cruz Creek the wood road turns to the right 
and becomes steeper. Other old roads diverge at various 
points, but the proper one to follow is most clearly defined. 
The first one to the left, and but a few rods from the Creek, is 
the path to Buttermilk, Wild Cat, and Viola Falls. (See 
description.) Two miles from Santa Cruz the road is left 
behind, and the journey is continued up the steep side of the 
Peak, — for a ways along or near the mossy bed of a tmy stream, 
— as indicated by the blazed trees. At the foot of an exceed- 
ingly steep pitch is Comfort Spring, — the source of the 
rivulet, — where it is customary to lunch, as water can scarcely 
ever be found nearer the top. Cole's last trip to the mountains 
was a visit to High Peak, and it was at this spring where he 
paused to take his noonday lunch. 

Near the end of the ascent is a small, open space on a ledge 
of rock, which is called Hurricane Ledge. It affords an 
excellent view. To the north, over the long stretch of forest 
that has been passed through, the Cauterskill Clove lies some 
three thousand feet below. Up, beyond, the whole northern 
section of the mountain range may be seen, and between two 
of the peaks, Albany is discernible on a clear day. More to the 
east, quite a tract along and beyond the Hudson is visible. 

The summit of High Peak is clothed with a growth of tall 
spruce and a thick carpet of green, velvety moss. The path 
does not lead directly to the pinnacle, but out along the eastern 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 
54 

side, on the verge of a precipice. In the close foreground are 
the Cauterskill and Plaalerkill Cloves; then comes the Hudson 
valley — the river visible north to Albany and far to the south ; 
beyond, the Berkshire Hills, the Green Mountains, and other 
parts of Massachusetts, Vermont, and parts of Connecticut ; 
with the Adirondacks in the north — all together forming a nat- 
ural panorama such as man seldom beholds. The Upper Lake 
by the Catskill Mountain House appears far below, like a tiny 

mirror. 

There, as thou stand'st, 
The haunts of men below thee, and around 
The mountain summits, thy expanding heart 
Shall feel a kindred with that loftier world 
To which thou art translated, and partake 
The enlargement of thy vision. Thou shall look 
Upon the green and rolling forest tops, 
And down into the secrets of the glens. 
And streams, that with then- bordering thickets strive 
To hide their windings. Thou shalt gaze, at once, 
Here on white villages, and tilth, and herds. 
And swarming roads, and there on solitudes 
That only hear the torrent, and the wind, 
And eagle's shrieks. ****** 

But the scene 
Is lovely round ; a beautiful river there 
Wanders amid the fiesh and fertile meads. 
The paradise he made unto himself, 
Mining the soil for ages. On each .side 
The fields swell upward to the hills. ^Br/ant. 

From a point a short way south of this outlook, and down a 
ledge, there is a less obstructed and more extended view in 
that direction. The Overlook Mountain House is plainly visi- 
ble on Overlook Mountain. 

Returning to the previous point of observation, a path may 
be found to the tip-top — a few yards distant. Here, by the 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 55 

help of a ladder to its lower branches, the tallest tree may be 
scaled by the venturesome. It is no easy feat; but one most 
estimable young lady of a party assured the writer that she had 
looked out upon the world from among its upper branches. 
It is quite an improvement on the views from below, as the 
other trees, in every direction, may be overlooked. 

SANTA CRUZ FALLS. 

WALK IN THE HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

Santa Cruz Falls are one mile from Haines' Falls, on the 
way to High Peak. A description of the route to them may be 
found in riie second and third paragraphs of the description of 
High Peak. (See index.) It is said that a bottle of Santa 
Cruz rum. supposed to have been left by some hunters, was 
found on the bank of the stream, from which circumstance this 
name was given. Having reached Santa Cruz Creek, it is but 
a few yards down the stream to the Falls. Either side of the 
Creek may be followed, but the best path is on the west bank. 

The peculiar view disclosed, from the top of the Falls through 
the vista of the Cauterskill Clove, is remarkably fine. 

• * full many a spKJt 

Of hidden beauty have I chanced to espy 
Among the mountains ; never one like this ; — Wordsworth. 

The descending spurs of the mountains dovetail into each 
other through the Clove ; beyond spreads the wide valley of the 
Hudson with the river stretching across it ; while the Berkshire 
Hills rise in the background, — the highest peak in the centre 
being Mt. Riga, near the junction of Massachusetts, Connecti- 
cut and New York. This picture is best seen in mid-afternoon, 



56 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -TTATNES' FALLS REGION. 



as the sun is then in a position to properly light it up. Durand 
and other artists have spent much time at this spot. There are 
two Falls, but a stone's throw apart, each some sixty feet in 
height. At the upper one the descending water is much broken 
by projecting points of rock ; but at the second, it pours down 
in a broad, translucent slieet, and in the morning a rainbow is 
frequently formed in the mist at the base, — so near that the 
hand may be thrust among its colors. It is this second Fall 
which is represented in the illustration at the commencement of 
the book. 

The Falls may be descended on either side, with but com- 
paratively little difficulty. The ledge of rock which forms the 
second Fall extends, in an arc, quite a distance to the right, so 
that the shorter route is on the left side of the stream. On 
down the ravine are numerous cascades. 

RIFTED ROCKS. 

WALK IN THE HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

The Rifted Rocks are across the Cauterskill, beyond 
Haines' Falls, and in sight from the road. The path is via the 
top of the Falls — the same as in going to High Peak. 

From a ledge of conglomerate. Nature has, at some period, 
cut off a sUce about twenty feet wide by three hundred feet 
long and moved it out from the remaining part, so that there i? 
a passage behind, varying in width from ten to twenty feet 

The strip is some fifteen feet high and broken crosswise into 
blocks from twenty to forty feet long. The entrance to the 
passage is at the west end only, as, near the other extremity, a 
sentinel of pudding-stone blocks the way. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 



59 



BUTTERMILK FALLS. WILD CAT FALLS, VIOLA 

FALLS. 

WALK FROM THE HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

These three Falls are on separate streams that flow northerly 
from toward High Peak down in the Cauterskill Clove, — emp- 
tying into the Cauterskill Creek. Each one is about half a 
mile from the mouth of the stream on which it is located. 

The first part of the path to them is the same as in going to 
High Peak, and the reader is referred to the article, "High 
Peak. Walk from the Haines' Falls Region." for a description. 
(See index.) 

Having crossed Santa Cruz Creek and turned up the hill a 
few paces, — the path leaves the High Peak path, at nearly a 
right angle to the left, and continues easterly three-fourths of a 
mile to Buttermilk Falls. The first Fall is some seventy 
feet high, and a second one, just below, has about the same 
height. 

Three-eighths of a mile farther along the path reaches the 
top of Wild Cat Falls — a sheer descent from a projecting 
ledge of about a hundred feet. 

It is but a fourth of a mile more, by the same path, to 
"Viola Falls. This takes its name from the fact that some 
violets were found in bloom near it as late in the season as the 
second of November. There are no very high Falls here, but 
the succession of small ones is so great that the water descends 
probably half a thousand feet in an eighth of a mile. Hillyer's 
Ravine is the name of the gorge tlirough which the stream 
descends. 

There are views from the tops of the Falls mentioned, down 



6o RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

into the Cauterskill Clove and out on the Hudson valley. On 
each of the streams are other smaller falls besides the ones 
named. The public have heretofore known but little concern- 
ing these Falls; but in a region less diversified by magniticenr 
water-falls than that surrounding the Cauterskill Clove, these 
would have been sought out as attractions of a high order. 
The streams are, however, small, and perhaps people will not 
yet care to make this excursion, excepting just after rains have 
augmented the flow of water, 

WALK FROM THE HAINES' FALLS REGION TO 
THE LAUREL HOUSE. 

BY PATH VIA PROSPECT ROCK. 

This is the shortest route and the one usually chosen to walk 
from one of these places to the other. The distance is a mile 
and a half, and the path is shady the greater part of the way. 

From the Haines' Falls House, the route is down the road 
past the Great Land-slide; up the rough road — Feather-bed 
Lane — to the north across a little bridge ; and up the steep 
hill in the field to the east. At the top of the hill, near a lone 
hemlock tree, the path divides (The lower one is the more 
direct way to reach the Sphinx. For description, see index for 
"The Sphinx, or Noah's Ark. Walk from the Haines' Falls 
Region." The Laurel House may be reached by this way, buc 
it is a trifle farther and the path is not quite as good.) The 
upper one follows for a short distance, along a piece of woods ; 
then crosses a field ; passes through a grove and into a pasture. 
(In the edge of the pasture, on the south of the path, is a prom- 
inent bowlder, by which, a path leads down the hill to The 



J 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -HAINES' FALLS REGION. 6l 

Sphinx.) Across the pasture the path again divides; the low- 
er one mailing a detour of a few steps to Prospect Rock and then 
uniting beyond with the upper one. (A description of the 
beauties seen from Prospect Rock may be found under the 
heading of "Prospect Rock. Walk from the Laurel House." 
See index.) On, a fourth of a mile from Prospect Rock, the 
path emerges from the woods and crosses a field — passing in its 
way by a Fish Pond — to the road, a short distance above the 
Laurel House. 

This short walk gives a great diversity of scenery, and is a 
favorite one. 

^ THE SPHINX, OR NOAH'S ARK. 

WALK FROM THE HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

The Sphinx is on the brow of the mountain between 
Hames' Falls and Kaaterskill Falls, seven-eighths of a mile 
from the former place. 

The route from the Haines' Falls House is down the road, a 
few yards past The Great Land-slide, to a rough road — 
Feather-bed Lane — on the left. Up the Lane a short distance 
a small bridge is crossed. Here the path leaves the Lane and 
ascends a steep hill m a partially cleared field on the right hand 
side. At the top of the hill, noar an isolated hemlock tree, the 
path divides. (The upper one is the direct path to the Laurel 
House.) The one on the lower or right hand side is the most 
direct to the Sphinx, and, although part of it is not well defined, 
no one should have any difficulty in following it. Several trees 
and stones along the route are marked with spots of white 
paint. Beyond the hemlock ,tree the path — this part of it a 



62 RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

wood road — soon enters the woods and at a fourth of a mile 
reaches a partially open space on the top of a ledge This is 
Bellevue Point. It overlooks the upper part of the Cau- 
terskill Clove, with a glimpse of the Five Cascades to the west 
and Hunter and Rusk Mountains in the far background. 

Continuing about a fourth of a mile farther, another open 
space is reached. Turning to the right, the path winds down a 
small ledge, easily passed, to The Sphinx. It is a curiously 
shaped rock, being about twenty feet high, with a base of ten 
feet square and its upper side projecting so as to resemble the 
prow of a ship. Noah's Ark was its original and obviously 
more appropriate appellation, although of late the other name 
has been more freely used. (There is another Sphinx on South 
Mountain.) The Ark stands close on the brink of a precipice 
on the side of the Cauterskill Clove, commanding a fine view 
thereof, and of the sides of High Peak and Round Top from 
base to summit. 

The walk may be continued an eighth of a mile farther to 

PROSPECT ROCK, 

As follows : Proceeding northward from The Sphinx, ■ 
through the clearing to the top of the hill, the upper path which 
diverges at the hemlock tree will be intersected. A few rods 
through the trees to the east is Prospect Rock, with its 
view so delightfully unique that none should fail to witness it. 
A description of this place may be found under the heading of 
"Prospect Rock. Walk from the Laurel House." (See index.) 
Prospect Rock may be conveniently visited from the direct 
path between the Haines' Falls and Laurel House Regions — it 
being but a few yards off that path. 



|i 



RUSk'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 63 

WALK OR DRIVE FROM THE HAINES' FALLS RE- 
GION TO CLUM HILL. 

Clum Hill is two miles and three-fourths from the Haines' 

Falls House, and by the same road for either a walk or drive 

from this place. The route is west, by the turnpike, a mile 

and a half, where a road branches to the south, in front of 

Maplewood. The remainder of the journey and the place are 

described under "Clum Hill. Drive in Tannersville." and 

"Clum Hill. Walk in Tannersville.' (See index.) 

WALK FROM THE HAINES" FALLS REGION TO 
PARKER HILL. 

The distance for a walk to Parkejr Hill is about three 
miles, and the route is as follows • 

One mile west from the Haines' Falls House the turnpike 
should be left, and the road to the right followed for somt 
three-fourths of a mile, where another road intersects it on tht 

west J 

Or, 

There is a shorter way to reach this point of the journey 
By entering a path close by the west side of the Shady Grove 
House, a few rods will lead past the barns and through a cluni] 
of fir trees into the fields beyond. Across these fields, diag 
onally to the north-west, three-fourths of a mile will reach the 
road mentioned in the first route. By this road, the walk is 
continued toward the north-west; passing two houses and, far- 
ther on, two isolated barns A few yards beyond the second 
barn is the path up Parker Hill, on the right hand. The top 
of the Hill and its side toward the road were long since divested 
of their wood. For a description of the view obtained from 



64 RUSK'S GUIDE.— HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

this Hill, see "Parker Hill. Walk or drive from Tannersville." 
(See index.) 

Parties taking this walk usually return by road by the way of 
Tannersville — a circuit of seven and a half miles. 

It is not advisable to take the path mentioned via the Shady 
Grove House, immediately after a rain, as part of it is then 
quite muddy. 

WALK FROM THE HAINES' FALLS REGION TO 
PLAATERKILL. 

BY PATH AROUND THE SUMMIT OF HIGH PEAK. 

This, the shortest route, is six miles ; by an old wood road, 
mostly through the forest. The first three miles is by the same 
path as to High Peak, and, therefore, the reader is referred to 
the article, "High Peak. Walk from the Haines' Falls Region," 
for a description of the same. (See index.) The remaining 
three miles of the old road is plain enough to be followed withr 
out difficulty, and leads to the head of the Plaaterkill Clove. 

This route is, also, the shortest way from this place to the 

OVERLOOK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, 

And is continued from Plaaterkill, — making the total distance 
eleven miles. 



il 



RUSH'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 65 



LAUREL HOUSE REOION. 

Besides the Laurel House, there are but two or three 
houses here. The Laurel House was named from the lau- 
rel — the Kalmia latifolia of botanists — which is profusely dis- 
tributed through the forest immediately surrounding the house. 

The location of the Laurel House is fifteen miles from Cats- 
kill, between the Catskill Mountain House and Haines' Falls 
— the last half mile leading thereto being a private road. Its 
elevation is 2038. feet. Standing just above the Kaaterskill 
Falls — which are Laurel House property — the view from the 
front of the house extends through the wide Kaaterskill Ravine, 
and embraces beyond. High Peak, Round Top, and other 
mountains, along the Schoharie valley. 

A sea of fog sometimes fills the ravine below, but it is soon 
dispersed by the morning sun. 

Earth's children cleave to Earth— her frail 

Decaying children dread decay. 
Yon wreath of mist that leaves the vale, 

And lessens in the morning ray : 
Look how, by mountain rivulet, 

It lingers as it upward creeps, 
And clings to fern and copsewood set 

Along the green and dewey steeps ; 
Clings to the fragrant kalmia, clings 

To precipices fringed with grass. 
Dark maples where the wood-thnieh sings, 

And bowers of fragrant sassafras. 
Yet all in vain — it passes still 

Eroni hold to hold, it cannot stay, 



li 



66 RUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 

And in the very beams that fill 

The world with glory, wastes away, 
Till, parting from the mountain's brow, 

It vanishes from human eye, 
And that which sprung of earth is now 

A portion of the glorious sky. — Bryant, 

From a point on the Laurel House road, but a few yards 
from where it leaves the Mountain House road, is a magnificent 
view of the mountains, from High Peak west tc Hunter Mount- 
ain and beyond. 

Conveyances from these houses run daily to Catskill to 
meet the boats and trains, and the route therefrom leads up the 
mountain through Slee])y Hollow. Carriages and stages can 
be obtained for drives to the many dehghtful resorts in the 
vicinity. 

The Mails are received once or more each day — Catskill 
being the post-office. 

A Western Union Telegraph OfB.ee, with direct wire to 
New York, is located in the Laurel House. 

There is trout fishing in the neighborhood. 

WALKS ABOUT THE LAUREL HOUSE REGION 
AND VICINITY. i 



DISTANCES FROM THE LAUREL HOUSE. 

MILES. 

Bastion Falls \ 

Catskill Mountain House, by path south of South Lake. . . i^ 

" " by path via Druid Rocks i^ 

'< '< by path along north of South Lake if 

<■<■ " by road 2\ 

'« " by path via Sunset Rock 3 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 67 

Council Bluff f 

Fawn's Leap and Profile Rock, in Cauterskill Clove, via 

Kaaterskill Ravine 2 

Glen Mary | 

Haines' Falls, by path via Prospect Rock i^ 

" " by path via Kaaterskill Ravine and Haines' 
Ravine, — including Bastion Falls, Shelving Rock and 

The Five Cascades 2^ 

Haines' Falls, by road 2^ 

High Peak 5! 

Kaaterskill Falls o. 

Palenville, via Kaaterskill Ravine and Cauterskill Clove. . . 3 
Palenville Overlook, by path via Lemon Squeezer, Fairy 

Spring and Fat Man's Dehght 2f 

Prospect Rock ^ 

Santa Cruz Falls , . 2J 

South Lake — Catskill Lakes f 

Sunset Rock, South Mountain i 

The Outlook, on North Mountain 2^ 

The Sphinx, or Noah's Ark f 

Descriptions of nearly all of the above walks are given in 
these pages. (See index.) Some of the routes are so direct 
that any description would be superfluous. The location of 
places may be seen on the map. 



68 RUSK'S GUIDE. -LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 

DRIVES IN VICINITY OF THE LAUREL HOUSE. 

DISTANCES FROM THE LAUREL HOUSE, BY THE MOST USUAL 

ROUTES. ^ 

MILES, 

Around South Mountain, via Mountain House, Sleepy 
Hollow, Palenville, CauterskiU Clove, and Haines' 

Falls, — round trip 15 

Catskill Mountain House 2^ 

Grand View, East Windham 21 

Haines' Falls 2^ 

Hunter 9 

Overlook Mountain House, by new road via Plaaterkill. . 16^ 

Parker Hill 6^ 

Plaaterkill 1 1| 

Sleepy Hollow 4^ 

Stony Clove 11 

Tannersville 4^ 

Windham 19 

(See index to find description of above places.) 

KAATERSKILL FALLS. 

In the name Kaaterskill Falls, the original Dutch spell- 
ing of the word has always been retained ; but it is now more 
freouently written CauterskiU, and, except when referring to 
these Falls or the ravine leading therefrom, the latter form is 
used throughout these pages. 

It is but a few feet from the Laurel House to the top of the 
Falls. The Spray House stands on the very verge, an J its 
platform, with timbers bolted to the rock, projects over the aw- 




KAATERSKILL FALLS. 



70 RUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 

ful chasm. This is the point from which to view the Falls from 
above ; and over this first Fall the water drops a hundred and 
sixty feet, broken into millions of foamy fragments ere it strikes 
below, and flowing along a few yards it again plunges to the 
depth of eighty feet. 

Midst greens and shades the Cauterskill leaps, 

From cliffs where the wood-flower clings ; 
All summer he moistens his verdant steps. 

With the sweet light spray of the mountain springs ; 
And he shakes the woods on the mountain side. 

When they drip with the rains of autumn tide. 

But when hi the forest bare and old. 

The blast of Decemlx;r calls — 
He builds in the starlight, clear and cold, 

A palace of ice where his torrent falls ; 
With turret, and arch, and fretwork fair, 

Aiid pillars blue os the summer an. ~ Bryant. 

The Kaaterskill Falls were the subject of one of Bryant's 
beautiful poems, — the first portion of which is copied above, — 
and in Cooper's "Pioneers," LeatherrStocking says of them : — 
"To my judgement, lad, it's the best piece of work that I've 
met with in the woods j » • • « I've sat on the shelving 
rock many a long hour, boy, and watched the bubbles as they 
shot by me, and thought how long it would be before that very 
water which seemed made for the wilderness would be under 
the bottom of a vessel, and tossing in the salt sea. It is a spot 
to make a man solemnize." 

Gifford made a fine painting of the Ravine leading from the 
Falls, and Durand, M'Entee, Cole, Church, and other well- 
known artists have made visits to this delightful spot. 

It is from under the Falls where its grarwieur becomes most 
striking. At a gate by the Spray House a payment of twenty- 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 7i 

five cents is made — for once during the season — and a charm- 
ing path followed a few yards through the forest to the head of 
the stairs. Rustic seats are placed along the way, and there 
are resting-places at various landings along down the many 
flights of stairs passed in reaching the bottom :)f the Falls. 

In the immense amphitheater which curves behind the water 
of the first Fall is a level path on which one may safely pass 
entirely around behind the falling water. Midway along the 
path the flood comes pouring over the enormous arch of rock, 
and as it descends, is eighty feet distant from the point of ob- 
servation. After passing around by this path, the stream may 
be re-crossed a few yards below, at the top of the second Fall, 
where the stairs continue down to the foot, and reach a seat 
placed so as to give an unobstructed view of both Falls While 
parties are down here, the gate of a dam immediately above 
the Falls is opened, thus augmenting the usual flow of water, 
and the scene is then truly marvellous. 

It is but a fourth of a mile down the stream to 

BASTION FALLS. 

The path to it crosses at the foot of the second Fall, and in- 
stead of following the creek, which has a sharp turn at this 
point, it takes a more direct course along the wooded slope of 
the ravine, meeting the creek just above Bastion Falls and 
crossing it again by a foot-bridge of logs. 

These Falls make a very pleasing picture, and a view of them 
./ill convey the idea that the name is derived from the bastions 
of rock which partially divide the stream as it breaks over the 
edge of the precipice. 



72 RUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 

The path continues down 

THROUGH KAATERSKILL RAVINE TO LAKE 
CREEK BRIDGE. 

It is three fourths of a mile from Bastion Falls and the shaded 
path is all the way on the right side, quite close to the stream. 

This path through the Kaaterskill Ravine — always a pleasant 
one — is much used as a short route for walks from the Laurel 
House to Fawn's Leap, Palenville, and up Haines' Ravine. 

GLEN MARY. 

WALK IN THE LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 

Glen Mary is an eighth of a mile from the Laurel House, 
to the right of the Laundry. A rustic foot-bridge here crosses 
the Lake Creek, with its mossy rocks, just at the junction of 
Spruce Creek — the mingled waters passing over Kaaterskill 
Falls a few yards below. 

SUNSET ROCK.— SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 

WALK IN THE LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 

Sunset Rock is a point on the side of South Mountain, 
overlooking the Cauterskill Clove. The distance from the 
Laurel House is one mile, by a good path through the forest. 
By the Laurel House Laundry the path crosses the creek to the 
right — below Glen Mary, which is visible, — and part of the way 
is a wood road. Half of a mile along, a path on the right leads 
lu Council Bluff. 

THe view of the whole extent of Cauterskill Clove as disclos- 
ed from Sunset Rock is the best that can be found; and the 



Jl 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 73 

vastness of High Peak, — seen from down in the Clove, where 
its sides are so irregularly cleft by the ravines leading from But- 
termilk, Wild Cat, and Viola Falls, up over the dense forest to 
its summit, — is truly an imposing spectacle. To the west, 
Haines' Falls appear in the foreground, with the Schoharie 
valley and bordering mountains in the distance 

There is a path over South Mountain from Sunset Rock to 
the Mountain House, — a two mile walk. 

COUNCIL BLUFF. 

WALK IN THE LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 

CoTincil Bluff is three-fourths of a mile from the Laurel 
House. The path to it is described under the heading of 
"Sunset Rock. Walk in the Laurel House Region." (See 
index.) The Bluff, which projects on the side of the Kaaters- 
kill Ravine, affords a view down into the Cauterskill Clove and 
portions of Haines' Falls and Santa Cruz Falls, 

WALK FROM THE LAUREL HOUSE TO THE 
HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

BY PATH VIA PROSPECT ROCK. 

This route is the shortest one between these places, and is 
much used for a walk. From the road, an eighth of a mile 
above the Laurel House, a path crosses the field to the west 
(passing in its way by the head of a Fish Pond — private 
property of the Laurel House), and enters the woods. A 
fourth of a mile through the woods it divides — the right hand 
branch continuing direct, while the left hand one leads a few 



ir4 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 



Steps out of the way to Prospect Rock, (for description, see 
index for " Prospect Rock. Walk from the Laurel House"), 
and unites with the other in a pasture a little beyond. (From 
this point a path turns down the hill on the left to The Sphinx, 
— see index for " The Sphinx, or Noah's Ark. Walk from the 
Haines' Falls Region," — and this way may be used to reach 
Haines' Falls, but it is a little farther.) The direct path is 
readily followed the remainder of the way, and the whole walk 
is very enjoyable. 

PROSPECT ROCK. 

WALK FROM THE LAUREL HOUSE. 

Prospect Rock is half a mile distant from the Laurel 
House by an extremely pleasing path. Up the road a little 
beyond the Laurel House barns the path enters the field to the 
left, through a gate ; crosses the upper end of the Fish Pond, 
and passes into the forest, through which it continues very 
clearly marked by being much trod. Care must be taken to 
turn to the left by the first diverging path, as the main one 
leads to the Haines' Falls Region, and Prospect Rock is a few 
steps off from this. 

Prospect Rock is the best possible place from which to see 
the Kaaterskill Falls from a short distance It is about on a 
level with the top of the Falls, and a bold curve in the deep 
ravine places them directly facing. Both upper and lower Falls 
are visible from top to bottom and, also, the Laurel House, 
above. 

'Twas here a youth of dreamy mood, >"^ 

A hundred winters ago- 
Had wandered over the mighty wood. 



kUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. Is 

Where the panther's track was fresh on the snow ; 
And keen were the winds that came to stir 
The long dark boughs of the hemlock fir. 

[ T/ie Catiterskill Falls, by Bryant. 

It is but one-fourth of a mile farther to 

THE SPHINX, OR NOAH'S ARK. 

By a path, a Httle ways west from Prospect Rock, is a cleared 
space which slopes to the left and forms a V shaved piece; and 
The Sphinx is at its lower extremity. A description of it is 
under the heading of "The Sphinx, or Noah's Ark. Walk 
from the Haines' Falls Region." (See index.) 

WALK FROM THE LAUREL HOUSE TO HIGH 

PEAK. 

The distance to High Peak by the shortest path is five 
miles and a half A full description of the walk may be found 
under the headings of '* Walk from the Laurel House to the 
Haines' Fall Region. By path via Prospect Rock," and "High 
Peak. Walk from the Haines' Falls Region." (See index). 
This trip may be made more easily by driving as far as Haines' 
Falls, thus reducing the walking distance to four miles. Along 
the route, a mile from Haines' Falls, the path is very near 

SANTA CRUZ FALLS, 

And it will take but a few minutes to go to this charming spot. 
(See index for " Santa Cruz Falls. Walk in the Haines' Falls 
Region." 



76 RUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 

WALK FROM THE LAUREL HOUSE TO CATSKILL 
MOUNTAIN HOUSE. 

BY PATH ALONG NORTH SHORE OF SOUTH LAKE. 

The distance by this route is a mile and three-fourths, and 
the way is mostly shady At the Laundry the path crosses the 
creek straight ahead, and beyond a few trees crosses a field to 
Scribner's road, near a small house. Crossmg the road a half 
mile will reach the lower end of South Lake, from which point 
the path continues quite near to the Lake, on the north-west 
side, and strikes the Mountain House road near the Charcoal 
Pit. The remainder of the walk is by the road. 

BY PATH SOUTH OF SOUTH LAKE. 

This walk of a mile and a half is the shortest route between 
these places, and is the one generally taken, although after 
rains it is somewhat muddy. Most of the way is through 
the woods. From the Laundry the path is to the right, across 
the foot-bridge at Glen Mary, to Scribner's. Beyond the house, 
the left hand path should be taken. It is clearly defined 
through the forest, and comes out by the Mountain House 
barns, passing Hygeia Spring on the way. 

WALK FROM THE LAUREL HOUSE TO PALEN- 
VILLE OVERLOOK. 

BY PATH VIA LEMON SQUEEZER, FAIRY SPRING, AND FAT MAN'S 

DELIGHT. 

The shortest path from the Laurel House to Palenville 
Overlook is two miles and three-fourths. To the right of 
the Laundry, the route is across the foot-bridge at Glen Mary, 
to Scribner's. Beyond the house are three diverging pathi, 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— LAUREL HOUSE REGION. 77 

and the center one — an old wood road — should be followed. 
A mile through the woods it intersects a path from the Moun- 
tain House, near Druid Rocks. Turnmg to the right it ascends 
a small ledge and winds around to and underneath another 
ledge, soon passing the Lemon Sqeezer and Fairy Spring. (See 
index.) A few yards beyond, the path from Sunset Rock to 
the Mountain House is entered as it ascends the last ledge 
necessary to reach the summit of South Mountain. The 
path now crosses the narrow summit, passing by a bowlder 
known as Star Rock, to the front or eastern side of the moun- 
tain. Again turning to the right, a ledge is soon descended, to 
the left of which point is the U. S. Coast Survey Signal, and it 
is but a few rods more to the Bowlder. Passing down the ledge 
here, through the Fat Man's Delight (see index), the descend- 
ing, tortuous path is quite well marked — in some places by piles 
of stones — for the remaining three-fourths of a mile to Palenville 
Overlook. (For description of this place, see index for " Palen- 
ville Overlook. Walk from Palenville." 



78 RUSK'S GUIDE. -CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. 



CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. 

The Catskill Mountain House having existed for more 
than fifty years and being the largest house in the Catskills, it 
is quite generally known throughout this country as well as to 
many foreigners. A mile and a half intervenes between this 
house and the nearest one to it. It stands on the eastern side 
of the mountain range, on the edge of a high ledge of rock, 
overlooking the Hudson valley, and at an elevation of 2225 feet. 
It is plainly visible from a great distance to the east. 

From the house a tract of many hundred square miles of the 
Hudson valley is spread to view ; with sixty miles of the river 
visible, appearing as a mere bright thread stretched across the 
patchwork plain of field and wood. The Green Mountains and 
Berkshire Hills form the dim background, and the Highlands 
appear far to the right. 

Directly south of the house, paths lead to the summit of 
South Mountain, which attains an altitude greater by 292 feet. 
The beautiful Calskill Lakes lie to the west a half mile and the 
road in that direction passes between them. 

The route to the Mountain House is by the way of Catskill. 
Stages of the house meet the boats and cars at that place, 
which is twelve miles distant. In ascending the mountain the 
road winds up through Sleepy Hollow ; and the rock may be 
seen where Rip Van Winkle is supposed to have slept after 
quaffing from "that wicked flagon !" (For description of this 



J 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. 79 

place, see "Sleepy Hollow.") The stage fare from Catskill, in- 
cluding hand baggage, is two dollars. Trunks are charged for 
extra. 

Conveyances may be had for drives, the prmcipal ones being 
to Kaaterskill Falls, Haines' Falls, ■ Stony Clove, and around 
South Mountain through the Cauterskill Clove. 

The Mail is carried regularly by the stages of the house to 
and from the Catskill post-office. 

A Western Union Telegraph Office is in the house with 
a direct wire to New York. 



WALKS ABOUT THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN 
HOUSE REGION AND VICINITY. 

DISTANCES FROM THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE. 

MILES. 

Artist's Rock, and Prospect Ledge ^ 

Catskill Lakes, (North Lake, South Lake), by road ^ 

Haines' Falls, by path via Laurel House 3 

" " by road 4 

Hygeia Spring f 

Kaaterskill Falls, by path south of South Lake il 

" " by path along north shore of South Lake, if 

" by road 2I 

Lovers' Retreat ^ 

Mary's Glen i 

Moses' Rock i|- 

Newman's Ledge if 

Palenville Overlook, by path over South Mt, via Pudding- 
stone Hall and Fat Man's Delight i4 



8o RUSK'S GUIDE. -CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. 

South Mountain, — top of it, by direct path ^ 

" " Circuit of the top, by path via Druid Rocks, 

Lemon Squeezer, Fairy Spring, and Pudding-stone Hall i^ 

Sunset Rock, on South Mt., by path over the Mt 2 

" " " " via Scribner's 2^ 

Sunset Rock, north of Mt. House, ] 

Jacob's Ladder, )■ # . . . | 

Bears' Den, J 

The Outlook, on North Mountain af 

DRIVES IN THE VICINITY OF THE CATSKILL 
MOUNTAIN HOUSE. 

DISTANCES FROM THE MT. HOUSE, BY THE MOST USUAL ROUTE. 

MILES. 

Around South Mountain, via Sleepy Hollow, Palenville, 

Cauterskill Clove, and Haines' Falls, — round trip, .... 15 

Haines' Falls 4 

Hunter 10 

Kaaterskill Falls and L.i.nrcl Flonse 2^ 

Parker Hill 8 

Plaaterkili, 13 

Sleepy Hollow 2 

Stony Clove i2| 

Tannersville 6 



3 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. Si 

SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 

WALK IN THE MT. HOUSE REGION. BY DIRECT PATH TO THE TOP. 

It is half a mile from the Mountain House to the summit 
of South Mountain by the shortest path. This walk i? 
probably more frequently taken than any other here. 

The path ascends among the trees from near the south-wes; 
corner of the Mountain House. A painted guide-mark along 
it consists of a round, white spot and a red bar crossing it. 
Passmg up a small ledge and reaching the top of a second, 
higher one, paths diverge. The one to the summit is through 
Pudding'-Stone Hall and up a third ledge. This Hall is 
a narrow passage between the ledge and a huge block of pud- 
ding-stone broken and separated therefrom. The plain path 
winds along the eastern ledge of the summit and commands 
views much the same as those from the Mountain House bn' 
much increased in extent and variety. 

I lojked upon a plain of green, 

That some one called the Land of Prose, 
Where many living things are seen, 

In movement or repose. 

But most this fact my wonder bred, 

• Though known by all the nobly wise, 

It wa^ the mountain s reams that fed 

The fair green plain's a\nenit:es. —Stirling. 

The summit of South Mountain and much of its sides are 
nearly barren. Slightly back from the eastern edge is a bowlder 
on the very top. .-:alled Star Rock. The elevation here is 
2,497 feet. At the edge of the mountain, east from this point, 
a part of the projecting ledge is called the Spliinx. 



82 RUbK'S GUIDE. -CATSKILLMT. HOUSE REGION. 

The path continues southerly to Palenville Overlook, 
which is a mile and a fourth from the Mountain House. De- 
scending one ledge, a signal used by the U. S. Coast Survey 
stands on the left. A few yards further along Viie Bowlder 
appears on the edge of a high ledge. To the left of the 
Bowlder is the only near, convenient way down. A rent in 
the ledge, called the Fat Man's Delight, affords passage 
through, although the fat man may find difficulty in getting 
through the thirty feet of its length. From here the path is 
quite winding down through the shrubbery to Palenville Over- 
look. (For description, s©e index for "Palenville Overlook. 
Walk from Palenville." 

CIRCUIT OF THE TOP. 

Near the south-west corner o# the Mountain House the 
same path is taken as in going to th: summit of the mountain. 
At the top of the second ledge it separar.-s to the right and 
wmds along below the third ledge, through the forest, nearly 
half a mile to Druid Rocks. These Rocks are some 
blocks of conglomerate, on the lett of the path ; one piece, 
about a dozen feet high, being called the Great Bear, as it 
somewhat resembles a large animal in a sitting posture. On, 
a ways farther the path is near the ledge, but then it turns and 
ascends it, and by quite a circuit to the left reaches a ledge 
above and tlirns to the right underneath it, through a fissure — 
the Lemon Squeezer, or, the Elfin Pass— passing 
Fairy Spring. It soon ascends the ledge to Star Rock. 
The return is made by way of Puddmg-stone Hall, the same 
as in the walk by direct path to the top. 

This makes a walk of about a mile and a fourth. 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -CATSICILL MT. HOUSE REGION. 



83 



CATSKILL LAKES. 

WALK IN THE MT. HOUSE REGION 

The Catskill Lakes are a half mile west of the Mount- 
ain House. They are distinguished as North and South Lake, 
and lie close on either side of the road to Kaaterskill Falls 
and Haines' Falls. The North one has an area of about 
twenty acres, and the South one some thirty-five acres The 
water from them flows to the south-west over the Kaaterskill 
Falls. Their elevation is 2,138 feet. They are bordered by 
forest — one side of the South one by the side of South Mount- 
ain — and the Shore of the North one is covered with a cran- 
berry marsh. Before reaching the Lakes by way of the road, 
a path turns off to the left and strikes the shore of South Lake 
at the boat-house. 




VIEW ON SOUTH LAKE 

Till death the tide of thought may st^em, 

There's little chance of our forgetting 
The higliland lake, the water gem. 

With all its rugged mountain-setting. — Milnes. 

A few yards east of the Lakes, close on the south side of the 
road, is a large rock with a crevice in one end resembling the 



»4 RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. 

open jaws of an Alligator, and hence called Alligator 
Rock. 

ARTISTS ROCK, AND PROSPECT LEDGE. 

WALK IN THE MT. HOUSE REGION. 

It is a walk of half a mile from the Mountain House to 
Artist's Rock, which is a bowlder on the brow of the 
mountain north of the house. The way is down the mountain 
road to the top of the second small hill, where two paths start 
on the left. The right hand path gradually ascends a ledge, 
giving a sight of the valley below, and soon reaches Artist's 
Rock, from where the scenic beauty is seen with increased ex- 
tent. 

After ascending some steps in the rocky way it is only a few- 
yards to Prospect Ledge. At this place the high wall of 
rock facing the valley curves farther out than at any other 
point near, and thus greatly extends the view both north and 
south. The Hudson valley is spread to view form Albany to 
West Point. Down to the left and near is Sleepy Hollow, 
while just over it is Cairo Round Top — a prominent round 
hill. This is an attractive walk. 

On, three-eighths of a mile are 

SUNSET ROCK, JACOB'S LADDER, AND BEARS' 

DEN 

From Prospect Ledge the path soon ascends a short hill, — 
called Red Hill, from the color ot the earth, — at the top of 
which stands a bowlder on the right of the path, known as 
Sunset Rock. The views from this point are interesting 
Stone steps and a ladder — Jacob's Ladder — permit of the 
next ledge being ascended, and to tne left of the top are deep 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. ^5 

clefts in the rock, constituting the Bears' Den. To the 
south appear the Mountain House resting ap;ainst South 
Mountain, with High Peak and Round Top looming up in the 
distance. Close down to the west lie the Catskill Lakes and 
a dozen miles beyond appear Stony Mountain, Hunter Mount- 
ain, and Rusk Mountain. This spot commands a varied 
scenery that is well worth viewmg. 
The path continues to 

NEWMAN'S LEDGE, 
Which is a mile and three-fourths from the Mountain House. 
After winding along a ways it ascends quite a steep hill, and 
near the top of this hill it turns to the right to Newman's 
Ledg^e. (The path which continues up the hill leads to The 
Outlook.) The scenes presented from this Ledge are similar 
to those seen from Prospect Ledge except that the northern 
horizon has receded and the southern drawn nearer. The 
Ledge was named after Rev. Newman Hall. It has a per- 
pendicular height of about one hundred feet. 

THE OUTLOOK, ON NORTH MT. 

The Outlook is two miles and three-fourths from the 
Mountain House. Following the path from where the one 
branches to Newman's Ledge beyond the Bears' Den, a small 
hollow is crossed in which, on the left, is a depression called 
The Cellar. The way is now mostly through an unbroken 
forest ; at one place through a clump of tall, straight spruce 
up the slope of the mountain, with the ground exceedmgly 
smooth and free from brush — as beautiful a piece of wood as is 
often met with. The path through the forest is clearly shown 
by marked trees. 



86 RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. 

There are two points for observation from The Outlook, 
called the First and Second Outlook. This brow of North 
Mountain on which they are situated is extremely steep. 
From the First a broad, steep basin lies below and in its depths 
are the CatskiU Lakes. In successive oider, beyond are the 
Mountain House, South Mountain, and High Peak — the latter 
seen just to the left of the curve m the mountain forming the 
other Outlook Round Top is hidden by this curve. From 
here a good idea may be obtained of the route and distance 
traveled to reach this point. 

The Second Outlook is a few rods farther along the path. 
Its elevation is 3,108 feet. The view is siriiilar to that obtain- 
ed from the First, with some portions incrtastd m beauty and 
extent. 

The return route is usually by a nearly direct and plain path 
from the Second Outlook down thr-,ugh the fortst, striking 
the road just west of the Lakes 

WALK FROM THE CATSKILL MT. HOUSE TO 
KAATERSKTLL FALLS. 

BY PATH SOUTH OF SOUTH LAKE. 

The distance is a mile and a half. The path starts by the 
barns, passes Hygeia Spring three-eighths of a mile along and 
continues most of the way through the woods to Scribner's. 
Here it passes front of the house, and be5'ond the saw-miU 
crosses the creek at Glen Mary and comes out by the Laurel 
House Laundry. This is the shortest path between these 
places and gives a charming walk ; but some parts of the way 
are usually muddy just after rains. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.-CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. 



87 



BY PATH ALONG NORTH SHORE OF SOUTH LAKE. 

This route is a mile and three-fourths long. From on the 
road, west of the Lakes, near the charcoal pit, a well worn path 
follows through the woods, near the Lake, and comes to the 
road to Scribner's, and opposite this point is a small house. 
The path continues close by this house, on the right, across a 
field and over Spruce Creek by the Laundry. 

SLEEPY HOLLOW. 




The spot known as 
Sleepy HoUo-w, and 

said to be the place where 
Rip Van Winkle took his 
twenty years' nap, is on the 
Mountain House road two 
miles down the mountain. 

The illustration showing 
Rip at home is from the 
piece of statuary by John 
Rogers. (For list of other 
groups, see index for ^'Rog- 
ers' Statuary.") Irving says : ' 'V ^J^ 
"The children of the village, too, would shout with joy when- 
ever he approached. Whenever he went dodging about the 
village, he was surrounded by a troop of them, hanging on his 
skirts, clambering on his back, and playing a thousand tricks 
on him with impunity; and not a dog would bark at him 
throughout the neighborhood." 



88 RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL MT. HOUSE REGION. 

MARY'S GLEN. 

WALK IN THE MT. HOUSE REGION. 

The shady walk of a mile, without climbing, from the Moun- 
tain House to Mary's Glen is a desirable one. The way is 
down the mountain road to the top of the second small hill, 
where the left one of the two paths on the north should be 
followed. It leads past the <»astern end of North Lake, cross- 
ing a small stream near the Lake. Half a mile farther Ashley's 
Creek is crossed on a log for a foot-bridge. A pretty falls are 
some two hundred feet further up the stream. A path leads 
from the top of the falls to the road, by the charcoal pit west 
of the lake, and the return is usually by this way. 
HYGEIA SPRING. 

WALK IN THE MT. HOUSE REGION. 

Hygeia Springy is three-eighths of a mile from the 
Mountain House, on the path which passes east of the barns 
and enters the woods. It is a nice spring of cold water, wailed 
up, and with conveniences for drinking. 

'. MOSES' ROCK. 

WALK IN THE MT. HOUSE REGION. 

Moses' Rock is on the eastern side of the mountain, be- 
low the Mountain House. The way to it is down the mount- 
ain road about half a mile and then by a path on the right down 
the mountain three-fourths of a mile farther. (From the path 
a short distance from the road a path diverges and leads along 
the side of the mountain to Palenville Overlook.) The Rock 
is about one hundred feet long by twenty feet high, and water 
flows from an opening in its side a yard above the ground. 

(This path continues down the mountain and is the shortest 
way to Palenville.) 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE 89 



TANNEllSVILLE. 

About half a century ago the name of Tannersville was 
borne by a Uttle hamlet with its post office at the foot of the 
mountain, in the upper part of the Cauterskill Clove, which 
owed its existence chiefly, if not wholly^ to a large and flourish- 
ing tannery located there In later years, as the tannery 
ceased operations and the place became one of ruins, the name 
was transferred to the locality which has ever since retained it, 
and which is three miles and a half from the original site. 

Tannersville is the next place west of the Haines Falls Re- 
gion, on the same road, — the Hunter turnpike, — and is fifteen 
miles from Catskill. Its nearness to the Catskill Mountain 
House, Kaaterskill Falls, Haines' Falls, Cauterskill Clove and 
Stony Clove renders excursions to these places easy to be made ; 
while many other interesting points, but little more remote, 
may be conveniently visited. 

Tannersville has quite a number of popular boarding-houses, 
with accommodations for from fifteen to a hundred people each ; 
and as the number of people who stop at this place increases 
each succeeding year, additional provision is made for their 
reception. 

The general elevation of the place, where the houses are lo- 
cated, varies from one thousand and eight hundred to two thou- 
sand and two hundred feet. Clum Hill is in the immediate 
south, and Parker Mountain and Parker Hill rise on the north 



i90 RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE. 

side. To the west is a grand view of Hunter Mountain with 
its many irregular spurs, and the view down the Schoharie Val- 
ley is, also, an excellent one. 

The route from Catskill to Tannersville leads through the 
well-known CauterskiU Clove, up the mountain. Nearly all of 
the houses in Tannersville run daily conveyances to meet 
the boats and cars at Catskill ; and, by previous arrangement, 
parties will be met at unusual hours. The regular fare, includ- 
ing baggage, from Catskill is two dollars. Besides the convey- 
ances from various houses, there is, also, a daily line of mail 
stages between this place and Catskill. 

There are plenty of vehicles obtainable for local drives. 

Mails are received from New York once or more each day. 
The post-office is at the Mountain Home. 

The Telegraph Ofi&ce is at the Mountain Home — on the 
Hunter, Tannersville and East Jewett line. 

A Union Church has recently been erected. There is a 
store in the place. 

Near the Mountain Home is a turning shop where many 
fancy articles of wood are turned, in a style seldom equaled 
and probably never excelled. No lover of pleasing designs and 
artistic workmanship can fail to appreciate a visit to this shop. 

The piscatorial art may be practiced in the vicinity, and the 
streams hereabout are being re-stocked with trout from the 
county hatchery. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE. 9^ 

WALKS ABOUT TANNERSVILLE AND VICINITY. 

DISTANCES FROM THE MOUNTAIN HOME. 

, : .,■ wifj V MILES. 

Clum Hill -. 1 

Haines' Falls 2A 

( The Five Cascades,"^ 
Haines' Falls Ravine, as far as-< Shelving Rock and > . . 2| 

(^ Naiad's Bath, ) 

Haines' Falls Ravine, — through it to Lake Creek Bridge 3^ 
Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, by path via Prospect 

Rock 4 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, by road 4^ 

Lovers' Retreat 1-16 

Old Indian Fort, between High Peak and Round Top.. 7 

Parker Hill 2 

Raspberry Lane ^ 

Nearly all of the above walks are described in these pages. 
(See index). Where the route is by a direct road, the descrip- 
tion is omitted. The location of these places and ways to 
them may be seen on the map. 

DRIVES IN THE VICINITY OF TANNERSVILLE. 

DISTANCES FROM THE MOUNTAIN HOME, BY THE MOST USUAL 

ROUTES. 

MILES. 

Around South Mountain, via Mountain House, Palenville, 

and Cauterskill Clove, — round trip i8| 

Catskill Mountain House 6 

Cauterskill Clove, — through it to Palenville 6 

Qum Hill • 



92 RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE. 

Haines' Falls, zj 

Hunter, ... 4^ 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House, 4^ 

Overlook Mountain House, by new road, via Plaaterkill, . 12 

Parker Hill, 2 

Plaaterkill, 7 

Sleepy Hollow, where Rip Van Winkle slept ! 8J 

Stony Clove, 6.} 

Windham, 145^ 

(See index to find description of above places). 

CLUM HILL. 

WALK IN TANNERSVILLE. 

The walk to Cluin llill is considered the most important 
and most popular one in i annersville. The Hill is a continua- 
tion of the ridge formed by High Peak and Round Top, and 
■t\'as named afier its owner. Its elevation is 2372 feet. It rises 
on the south of Tannersville and the distance from the Moun- 
tain Home to its summit, by the shortest path, is one mile. 

By the road from directly in front of the Mountain Home, 
to the south a fourth of a mile, will cross two bridges. Just 
beyond the second bridge the path starts from the road, crosses 
the fields to the foot of the Hill, and winds up its north side, 
which is covered with a growth of shrubs. 

The view from the summit is panoramic. Looking over 
Tannersville hamlet, to the north, shows Eastkill and Parker 
Mountains and Parker Hill, while in the background are five 
other prominent peaks. The view to the east embraces the 
Laurel House and Kaaterskill Falls, which are some three and 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE. 93 

a half miles distant in a direct line The Falls are facing this 
point and show the falling water from top to bottom. Round 
Top is in the near southeast. To its right lies the head of the 
Plaaterkill Clove, and beyond rises Plaaterkill Mountam. From 
Plaaterkill Mountain the eye may follow along the ridge to the 
west, passing successively : Indian Head, Schoharie Peak, 
Mink Mountain. Stony Mountain, Hunter Mountain, Colonel's 
Chair, Rusk Mountain, and others on down the valley, becom- 
ing less and less distinct, till they fade away into the far blue 
horizon. There is no better view obtainable of this range of 
mountains and of the Schoharie valley than the one from Clum 
Hill. Hunter Village lies just behind a long-extended spur of 
Eastkill Mountain. 

(There is a road nearly to the top of this Hill. See index 
tor "Clum Hill. Drive in Tannersville.") 



RASPBERRY LANE. 

WALK IN TANNERSVILLE. 

In front of Elm Cottage, and one-half of a mile west of the 
Mountain Home, Raspberry Lant; extends from the turn- 
pike, across to the road to Plaaterkill — entering it near Blythe- 
wood — and is about three fourths of a mile long. 

Midway along the Lane is a grove of hemlocks and maples, 
in which picnics are frequently held. The pretty brook which 
flows through amoiig the trees, renders the spot more inviting, 
and the walk here is a pleasant one at all times. The Schoharie 
creek is a few rods below, and is crossed if the walk is contin- 
ued to the Plaaterkill roadr' 



94 RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE. 



LOVERS' RETREAT. i* 

WALK IN TANNERSVILLE. 

Lovers' Retreat is among the cluster of trees, down the 
road a few rods, in front of the Mountain Home. Seats are 
arranged in this secluded shade, on a bank at whose foot winds 
a pebbly trout brook. 

Beneath the quivering arch of leaves 

Where sunlight flickered through, 
While birds sang merry songs of love, 

Each to its mate so true, 
Where just below the mossy bank 

The laughing stream flowed by, 
We came, with fishing line and rod, 

My blue -eyed May and I. — Harpers^ Magazine. 

PARKER HILL. 

WALK OR DRIVE IN TANNERSVILLE. 

The proper route to Parker Hill is by the direct road at 
the west side of the Mountain Home. It leads north, with 
gradual ascent, for nearly two miles, where it is intersected by 
a road on the right, A few rods along this right hand road is a 
path to the left, which leads up through the field to the summit 
of the Hill. It is but a few rods from the road to the top. 

The elevation of this mountain is 2545 feet. The north side 
of it is quite precipitous, and thus allows an excellent sight 
down through the Eastkill valley, — which descends to the west, 
— taking in East Jewett. Beyond, is a tract of hilly country 
and numerous peaks in the direction of Hensonville and Wind- 
ham. More to the right, and just across the Eastkill valley, 



il 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE. 95 

grandly rise several liigh mountains — Black Head farthest to 
the east and Black Dome next, adjoining. There is no other 
walk or drive in this vicinity that gives such an idea of the 
Eastkill valley and contiguous country as this view from Parker 
Hill. 

Prominent in the south-east are High Peak and Round Top, 
and the view of them from here is an impressive one. To the 
west of Round Top the successive peaks can be well seen as 
far along as Hunter Mountain ; while Tannersville lies in the 
foreground. 

The mountain immediately west of Parker Hill is Parker 
Mountain, 

In ascending Parker Hill a boulder is passed, on which a 
^arge white star has been painted. For this reason the original 
name — Parker Hill — has, for a time, been lost sight of, and the 
place been known as Star Rock. The boulder is not where 
the view is obtained, nor in any way specially connected there- 
with ; therefore the first appellation is retained in these pages. 

The trip to this Hill is a popular one. 

WALK FROM TANNERSVILLE TO THE LAUREL 
HOUSE. 

BY PATH VIA PROSPECT ROCK. 

The first part of this walk is by the turnpike — two and a half 
miles. A detailed description of the remainder of the route 
may be found under the heading of "Walk between the Haines' 
Falls Region and the Laurel House. By path via Prospect 
Rock." (See index.) The total distance from the Mountain 
Home, by this route, is four miles. 



g6 RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE. 

CLUM HILL. 

- 4 

DRIVE IN TANNERSVILLE. 

It is practicable to drive almost to the summit of Clum 
HilL By the way of this road the distance is two miles from 
the Mountain Home. The turnpike is followed east for a mile 
where a road to the south is taken, — directly in front of Maple- 
wood, — which descends a ways and then winds up the long, 
steep hill to the top of the ridge, terminating in an old road 
running perpendicular to it. This old road may be followed a 
few rods past the house to the west, and then the path crosses 
a field to the summit. 

An enumeration of the beauties seen from this place may be 
found under the heading of "Clum Hill. Walk in Tanners 
villa." (See index). 



5 

I 



RUSK'S GUIDE— HUNTER. 97 



HUNTER. 

The village of Hunter is located on the Schoharie Creek 
at the base of Hunter Mountain, and forms a part of the town- 
ship bearing the same name. The township extends from west 
of the village, east to Palenville, and has an area of about one 
hundred square miles. The place was named after John Hun- 
ter, who owned a large tract of the mountains here during its 
early settlement. In the year 17 17, Colonel William W. Ed- 
wards and his son moved from Massachusetts to this Village 
and here established the first extensive tannery in the State, in 
which the then new method of tannmg was adopted. During 
the Revolutionary War the Indians often crossed the mountains 
by way of the Schoharie valley, and tories in this region acted 
as guides in some of their plundering expeditions. 

Nearly every building in the village of Hunter is on the one 
street which follows the course of the Schoharie for a mile and 
a half. The greater portion of the street is shaded, — for a ways 
by a row of lordly old elms, and at other places by maples. 
The elevation is from sixteen to seventeen hundred feet. 

Hunter is west of Tannersville and adjoining, and is twenty 
miles from Catskill. The route to it is usually by the way of 
Phoenicia, on the Ulster and Delaware Railroad, thirteen miles 
distant. Stag^es meet the trains, and private conveyances are 
sent for parties when such arrangements are previously made. 
The road leads through the remarkable Stony Clove, where ice 



98 RUSK'S GUIDE— HUNTER. 

remains among the rocks during the entire year. (For descrip- 
tion of this place, see index for "Stony Clove.") The stage 
fare from Phoenicia, with baggage included, is one dollar. 

Conveyances may be had for drives to Catskill Mountain 
House, Overlook Mountain House, Kaaterskill Falls, Haines' 
Falls, and many other popular summer resorts, more or less dis- 
tant. 

There is a daily Mail between Hunter and New York. The 
post-office is at the store of Burgess and Douglass. 

There are two Telegraph OfiBices ; one at the upper end 
of the village on the Hunter, Tannersville and East Jewett Hne, 
and the other near the lower end, at the store of H. E. Biddell 
& Co., on the U. & D. Railroad Company's line. 

The three Churches are of the Methodist Episcopal, Pres- 
byterian, and Roman Catholic denominations. 

There are two physicians in the place ; three stores ; two 
extensive chair factories, which are continually producing var- 
ious styles of chairs in great numbers ; and a bedstead factory. 

WALKS ABOUT HUNTER AND VICINITY. 

DISTANCES FROM THE POST-OFFICE. 

MILES. I 

Chair Factories, in the village .... f and i|- f 

Cold Spring, in Shanty Hollow i 

Colonel's Chair 2 

Entrance to Stony Clove Notch 3 j 

Ford Hill 2 < 

Hunter Mountain 4 

Ingraham Square, — around it 5 

Lovers' Glen i J 



I 




100 RUSK'S GUIDE.— HUNTER. 

Mossy Brook i 

Rusk's Hill i 

DRIVES IN THE VICINITY OF HUNTER. 

DISTANCES FROM THE POST-OFFICE, BY THE MOST USUAL ROUTES. 

MILES. 

Catskill Mountain House lo 

Clum Hill 6| 

Grand View, East Windham i2 

Haines' Falls 7 

Kaaterskill Falls and Laurel House g 

Overlook Mountain House, by new road via Plaaterkill. . 14 

Parker Hill 7 

Plaaterkill 9 

Prattsville 16 

Stony Clove 5^ 

Tannersville , 4 

Windham , 10 

(See index to find description of above places.) 

HUNTER MOUNTAIN. 

WALK FROM HUNTER, 

Hunter Mountain is south of Hunter village, and rises 
abruptly, with many irregular spurs, from the Schoharie valley. 
It has an elevation of 4040 feet, and is the highest peak of the 
Catskills. The summit vj 2431 feet above the village of Hunter, 
and the distance thereto by the shortest path is about four 
miles, although as measured on a map it would appear to be 
but one-half as far. 



I 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HUNTER. lOl' 

Of the several different routes by which the writer has 
made the ascent of this mountain, it may be said that none 
have been as satisfactory, in point of freedom from difficuUies 
and economy of time, as one taken by an ahuost direct course 
from the village up its steep side. 

By this way, a path crosses the Schoharie in front of the post- 
office and leads up through some fields and a strip of woods to 
Shanty Hollow, a mile distant, v\heie there is a small farm 
house. The upper part of the Hollow is divided by a long 
spur of the mountain, and the way continues, east of the house, 
across a small stream, by a log road up the eastern branch of 
the Hollow for three-fourths of a mile. From here the way is 
exceedingly steep and there is no path marked. Crossing to 
the west side of the rill which comes down this hollow, a proper 
course to follow by the compass is about forty degrees west of 
south. It will be well to bear in mind that there are no more 
hollows to cross in any part of the journey, and that, therefore, 
the route is always ascending. There are no high ledges to 
form barriers to one's progress, but the steep mile, of quite 
regular slope, rises at some places at an angle of forty-five de- 
grees or more. 

From the top of this steep portion, the remainder of the 
journey is of gradual ascent, and should be continued in the 
same direction. The long walk through the dense forest here 
is delightful. 

The summit of Hunter Mountain is a level area of about 
one-fourth of a square mile, covered with a thick growth of 
spruce, as are most of the other peaks of the Catskills. Owing 
to the forest, the views obtamed from here are quite meager; 



I02 RUSK'S GUIDE.— HUNTER. 



i 



however, from a small ledge on the eastern brow, High Peak 
and Round Top may be seen, seven miles distant, and from the 
west side it is possible to get a glimpse down into Westkill. 
Bears and deer have well-worn paths 'jonverging at a small de- 
pression, near the eastern outlook, which holds kvater for some 
days after rams. 'J'he south side of the mountain descends by 
many ledges towards Stony Clove ; while a mile and a half, 
along the high ridge which extends south of east, the deep and 
narrow Stony Clove Notch cuts through and separates this 
mountain from Stony Mountain. The adjoining peaks, contin- 
uing in this direction from Stony Mountain, are Mmk Moun- 
tain, Schoharie Peak Indian Head, and Plaaterkill Mountain, 
which latter terminates this ridge at the front or eastern side of 
the mountain range. By a branch of Hunter Mountain to the 
west, the first peak encountered is Westkill Mountam, while 
others follow in th» same direction. By another branch, more 
to the north. Rusk Mountam is first met beyond which is a 
succession of peaks down the Schoharie valley. West of north 
a long, curved spur forms the Colonel's Chair. 

Quite a large number of people ascend Hunter Mountain 
each summer. Probably ladies will not care to make the 
attempt. The contour of this mountain is such that, without 
some use of the compass, it will be a very easy matter to de- 
scend in an unintended direction. 

COLONEL'S CHAIR. 

WALK FROM HUNTER. 

The Colonel's Chair is a long spur of Hunter Mountain 
which extends towards the village and terminates on the Scho- 
harie. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HUNTER. 103 

In front of the post-office, the path to it crosses the creek 
and the fields to Shanty Hollow, a mile distant. The stream 
along the way, on the left, is Mossy Brook, and is frequently 
visited. In Shanty Hollow, the way is to the right of the little 
house, and the point at which the shrubbery beyond should be 
entered is not clearly indicated, but once properly started, the 
remainder of the way may be readily found. 

A few rods back of the house in the Hollow is Cold Spring, 
vvhere enough clear, cold water issues from the ground to sup- 
ply the village, if pipes were laid to conduct it thereto. 

The ascent of the last half mile of the Chair, over the broken 
rocks with which its sides are covered, must be considered as 
climbing rather than walking, for it is so steep that the hands 
will frequently have to assist locomotion. 

The ridge forming the Chair measures but a few rods across 
its summit. Its elevation at the front is 303 7 feet, and that 
of the highest place, a fourth of a mile back, is 3^^5- 

The summit is almost barren, and the view from here is an 
extensive one, embracing many miles along the Schoharie val- 
ley and the surrounding country. 

Many ladies make this trip and feel well repaid for the 
needed effort. 



I 



STONY (^LOVE. 

It is Stony Clove Notch to which attention is especially 
given under this heading, its remarkable features are unlike 
those of aey other place in the Catskills. Nature has here cut 
a deep, narrow pass through the loftiest ridge. The entrance 



104 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— STONY CLOVE. 



to this Notch is three milles from Hunter village and four miles 
from Tannersville. The road which passes through extends to 
Phoenicia. 




STONY CLOVE NOTCH. 



Proceeding through from the north, or Hunter side, the 
gap gradually becomes narrower, with its sides considerably 
steeper and higher, and the road somewhat ascending, for 
a mile or more, when the highest point on the road and the 
narrowest part of the Notch are reached. Here the sides rise 
almost perpendicularly, more than two thousand feet, and are 



RUSK'S GUIDE.-STONY CLOVE. 165 

SO close that the roadway will not admit of wagons passing each 
other except in a few places. There is no creek running 
through the Notch, but the tiny rills which come down the 
sides pass out, either toward the north to the Schoharie, or else 
southward to the Esopus, — taking circuitous and widely separ- 
ated courses to the Hudson. As the sun never shines in some 
portions of the Notch, ice, which is formed among the rocks, 
remains during the entire year, and is obtained from cavities 
close by the road, even in mid-summer. 

Continuing through, the road descends gradually. The pass 
widens, and the right hand side is a high wall of rock, in some 
places overhanging. At its base, near the outlet, is a pool of 
dark water, called Stygian Lake. Farther along, close to 
tJie other side of the road, is the Devil's Tombstone, — a 
bowlder planted endwise in the ground and rising a dozen feet 
above the surface. This is also known as Pulpit Rock, 
and, as parties frequently picnic at this spot, Picnic Rock 
is another appellation. It is possible to obtain trout from the 
stream near by, which flows from Stygian Lake. 

It is about half a mile from here to the inhabited part of 
Stony Clove, — which contains a few houses, saw-mills, and a 
chair factory, nestled between the high mountains on either 
side, — through which the road takes a westerly direction along 
the winding course of the Stony Clove Creek. There are 
many trout in this stream. 



io6 RUSK'S GUIDE. -OVERLOOK MT. HOUSE REGION. 



OVEKLOOK ML HOUSE RE(ilON. 

I'he Overlook Mountain House is located near the 
summit of Overlook Mountain, at an elevation of 2978 feet — 
higher than any other house in the Catskills. 

The route to this house from the Hudson is nine miles by 
the Ulster and Delaware Railroad from Rondout to West 
Hurley ; thence nine miles by stag^es of the Overlook Hou?e 
which meet all trains. The fare on the cars is thirty-one cents. 
The stage fare is one dollar and a half, exclusive of baggage. 

The Overlook Mountain stands at the south-eastern corner 
of the Catskill range and reaches an altitude of 3150 feet. 
The mountain and also the house may be observed for a long 
distance along the Hudson. ^ 

The mountain is nearly north from West Hurley and the 
view of it from that point, as it towers above, with the house 
in full view, is exceedingly grand. Four miles from West Hur- 
ley the stages come to the little village of Woodstock which 
has an elevation of 594 feet. This is the Post-ofiElce of the 
Overlook House and the stages carry the Mails to and fro 
twice or more each day. 

From Woodstock the ascent of the mountain is made by a 
good road through the forest. Half way up the mountain is 
the nearest house to the Overlook House. 

The house, standing close on the brow of the mountain, com- 
mands surprising and unbroken views in nearly every direction. 
Down in the front is a plain of ten miles reaching to the Hud- 
son, with a long stretch of the river and contiguous country. 



io8 RUSK'S GUIDE. -OVERLOOK MT. HOUSE REGION. 

To the south and west appear Shde Mountain and adjacent 
mountains. Portions of seven states are said to be visible from 
here. 

There is a Telegraph OflB.Ce in the house. 

Conveyances may be had for drives to Cauterskill Clove, 
Haines' Falls, Kaaterskill Falls, and Catskill Mountain House. 

WALK ABOUT THE SUMMIT OF OVERLOOK MT. 

Standing just in front of the Overlook House and facing the 
valley, to the left the front of the mountain about an eighth of 
a mile distant forms a clearly cut profile, known as the Iron 
Duke. Taking a path in that direction, thirty rods will reach 
a point of the ledge called Dramatic Rock. A few feet 
beyond is a fissure in the ledge some thirty-five feet deep and 
eight feet wide — Styles' Gorge — crossed by a rustic foot- 
bridge, named Grace's Bridge. The Devil's Kitchen, 
a triangular hole in the rock thirty feet deep, is soon passed, 
and "Wellington's Rock reached. This rock is a large 
bowlder with its inner edge resting on the ledge and its outer 
supported by a column of rock split from the side of the rocky 
wall. It is the Iron Duke's cap. A ladder reaches to the top, 
from where a wonderful view is obtained of the immense depth 
immediately below and of the Hudson and Esopus valleys. 

Just beyond is Pulpit Rock. Here the projecting face 
of the mountain descends perpendicularly about a hundred 
feet. Next is Overlook Ledge where a path descends a 
ridge of the mountain, called Minister's Face, winding 
down a succession of ledges to the Dominie's Nose, where 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— OVERLOOK MT. HOUSE REGION. 109 

the mountain is almost perpendicular for a depth of five hun- 
dred feet. The spot is a mile from the house. 

The path from Overlook Ledge on around the summit of the 
mountain soon comes to Bishop's Rock. Near, to the 
north are Plaaterkill Mountain and Indian Head ; beyond 
them staiid High Peak and Round Top; and still farther away 
are Black Head and Black Dome. Kingston, Catskill, Hud- 
son, and Albany are visible. From here the path turns to the 
left, and a few yards along comes to Turtle Rock— a bowld- 
er whose top is a fair representation of a turtle. (From this 
point a path turns down the mountain to the road to Plaater- 
kill, reaching it a fourth of a mile distant.) 

As the path round;; the north side of the mountain to return 
there is a point of the ledge, called Kimball's Rock, which 
discloses a beautiful view of Echo Lake, about three-fourths of 
a mile to the north and a thousand feet below. Glen Evans 
is on the return path — a cool recess among huge blocks of 
rock, detached from the western side of the mountain top. 
Not far from htre is Hawkin's Rock, which affords the 
best view of the succession of mountain peaks to the north 
and west. 

There are other interesting places on the summit of the 
mountain, all within half a mile of the Overlook House. 

MINNEHAHA SPRING. 

WALK IN THE OVERLOOK MT. HOUSE REGION. 

Minnehaha Spring is a fourth of a mile west of the 
house. Remarkably clear water flows from underneath a ledge 
and is caught in a pocket of the rock, making it convenient to 
drink therefrom, before it is lost in the forest below. 



no RUSK'S GUIDE.— OVERLOOK MT. HOUSE REGION. 
ECHO LAKE. 

WALK OR DRIVE IN THE OVERLOOK MT. HOUSE REGION. 

Echo Lake, or, Shuc's Lake, as it was formerly called, 
is two miles north from the Overlook House, near the new 
road between this house and Plaaterkill. A branch road leads 
to it. The Lake is very deep and the water clear and cold. 
Mountain tops covered with forest rise around, a thousand 
feet above its level. It is fed by rills and springs and discharges 
its waters into the Sawkill to the south-west. Trout are found 
here. 



Note. — Mention is made in this Guide of a new road between the Over- 
look Mountain House and Plaaterkill. That was written and put in type 
while the construction of the road was being carried on. The work was 
finally suspended when the road was finished half way, and so it is only 
complete from the Overlook House to Echo Lake. It will probably be'fin- 
ished for next season. There is a path the whole distance. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— CAIRO, HENSONVILLE, WINDHAM, iii 

(A mo. 

The village of Cairo is on high land near the north-eastern 
base of the Catskills. The route to it is by stage from Cats- 
kill, ten miles distant. The view of the mountains from this 
near point is excellent. Telegraphic communication. 

HENSONVILLE. 

Hensonville village is a pleasant spot among the mount- 
ains at an elevation of some fifteen hundred feet. It may be 
reached by stage from Catskill, twenty-five miles, or, by stage 
from Phoenicia, twenty miles and a half. To the east, at the 
head of the valley in which this place is located, rises the Black 
Dome mountain to an altitude of 4,003 feet. It is two miles 
and a half from Windham. Telegraphic facihties. 

WINDHAM. 

"Windham is as beautiful a village as the county affords. 
It lies in a mountain valley at an elevation of 1,510. A long 
ridge of mountain peaks rises on either side. To the east is 
Windham High Peak which has, an altitude of 3,534 feet, and 
affords an extended view from its summit. 

The place was settled in 1785. There are churches, two 
telegraph offices, and a weekly newspaper. The few boarding 
houses are very pleasantly located. The way to reach this 
place is by stages either via Catskill, twenty-six miles ; Phoe- 
nicia, twenty-three miles ; or, Prattsville, ten miles. The first 
route, although a longer stage ride, is the most direct. 



RUSK'S GUIDE-r-CATSKILL. II3 



PROSPECT PARK HOTEL, 

CATSKILL, N. Y. 

(See illustration in description of Catskill.) 



FIRST-CLASS SUMMER RESORT, 

Of Easy Access on the Banks of the Hudson River, 

WITH ALL THE LATEST IMPROVEMENTS. 



The main building is two hundred and fifty feet front by forty feet, with 
wing one hundred and forty by forty feet. Dinnig-room full length of wing ; 
with two-story Piazza three hundred and seventy by sixteen feet. 

The grounds, walks, avenues and shrabbery are adapted to the chief design : 
which IS, to produce such an establis.inient, on a liberal and appropriate scale, 
as can offer to those who with their families annually seek in the country, dur- 
ing the Sunnier months, healtli and grateful change from the heat and con- 
finement of the city. No mahria, hay fever or mosquitoes. Croquet, Bill- 
iards, Bowling Alley, Fishing, Boating, Bathing, good Music. 

The Views from the Hotel are Unsurpassed in Extent and Beauty. 

The annually increasing tide of visitors to this region — drawn hither in the 
pursuit of health and pleasure - has already vindicated its right to the title of 
"The Switzerland of America." 

The location is a judicious selection from the Prospect Hill ; and the site, 
with its surroundings, occupies twenty acres. The plateau is admirably adapt- 
ed to the purpose. With a commanding view of the River in front, and for 
miles north and south, and the grand old Mountains in the background, with a 
climate of great salubrity, healthy mountain air, and the accessories of field 
and river sports and pleasure drives, it is unsurpassed in all the borders of the 
Hudson in its attractions and advantages. 

Carriages will be in attendance at the Cars and Boats. 

Accessible by nearly all trains on the Hudson River Railroad, and by the 
Day Boats "Chauncey Vibbard" and "Daniel Drew." Also by Night Steam- 
ers every evening fro.n foot of Harrison Street, New York, for Catskill. 

First-class Livery connected with the Hotel, with good stabling for horses 
in new brick stables recently erected. 

Western Union Telegraph in the House. 

PRICES TO SUIT THE TIMES. 

Address PROSPECT PARK HOTEL CO., 

Catskill, N. Y. 



114 



RUSK'S GUIDE— CATSKILL. 



THE OLNEY HOUSE. 

Prosi>ect Avenue, Catskill, N. Y. 



Delightfully Situated on the Banks of 
The Hudson, 

A short distance from the Prospect Park Hotel, and conven- 
ient to Churches and Post-office, 
House open May ist. 

TERMS, $8 TO $12. 

Address GEO R. OLNEY, 

P. O. Box 338, Catskill, N. Y. 

C. H. BENNETT, 







Hats, Caps, Umbrellas, 

&c., &c., &c. 

White Shirts & Summer Underclothing, 

A Specialty 
289 Main Street, - - Catskill, N. Y. 



SUMMER BOARD_ 

SALISBURY HOUSE, 

Catskill. 



Jefferson Heights, 

New House, extra large rooms, newly furnished. Extensive grounds 
attached, with orchards of fruit and shade trees. Pleasant scenery on all 
sides, antl excellent bathing and fishing witliin a short distance. Near the 
Village, in a fashionable neighborhood. Tcrm.s reasonable. Address, 

JAMES SALISBURY, Box 366, CatskUl, N. Y, 



J 



J 



I 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL. 



ns 



IRVING HOUSE 



CATSKILL, N. Y. 




Is a large, new and comuiodious brick building, in the centre 
of the Village, with 

First-Class Accommodations 

FOR TRAVELERS AND TOURISTS. 

The Village Omnibus and Baggage Wagon attend all Trains 

and Boats. 
Il An authorized Agent will be on hand to give information, 
"* accommodate and attend to the wants of the guests of this 

House. 

Parties desiring Country Board, furnished with information 
regarding the different localities and prices. 

H. A. PERSON, Proprietor. 



u6 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— CATSKILL. 



SUMMIT HILL HOUSE, 

CATSKILL, N. Y. 



1 




s ^ 
-a §■ 



I — i 



f^ 



c:^ 



T~S, 1 — i 












^ 






S 



6^ 



P. M. GOETCHIUS, 



Proprietor. 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -PALENVILLE. 117 

THE WINCHELSEA, 

(IN THE CA~rSKIl_l_S_) 

A First- C/ass Sufmner Resort. 



The location is one of the most heahhy in the country. N(> 
heavy dews ; perfect drainage. Directly in Iront of the Cau 
terskill Clove, it receives the full benefit of the cool mounlaii 
breeze that passes through the gorge. Good Stabling. 

For Circular and terms — stating accommodations desired — 
address THEO. C. TEALE, 

Palenville, Greene Co., N. Y. 

PINE GROVE HOUSE, 

Entrance to the Cauterskill Clove, 
PALENVILLE, N. Y. 



Located amidst the beauties of the Catskills ; House new, 
with good accommodations. Good Carriage House and 
Stables. 

For terms, address the Proprietor, 

C. Dubois, PalenviUe, Greene Co., N. Y 

PLEASANT VIEW HOUSE, 

PALENVILLE, GREENE CO., N. V. 

This new house, located at the entrance of the Cauterskill 
Clove, has accommodations for twenty people. 

The proprietor Rins a Daily Stage between Palenville and 
the Boats and i rains at Catskill. 

GEORGE HAINES, Proprietor. 



u8 RUSK'S GUIDE.— PALENVILLE. 

MAPLE GROVE HOUSE, 

Entrance to Cauterskill Clove. 



Located amidst the Beauties of the Catskills. 
House Enlarged and Refurnished. 

Billiards, Bowling, and good Stabling. 

For terms, address PHILO PECK, 

Palenville, Greene Co.. N. Y. 



PALENVILLE HOTEL, 

PETER BURGER, Proprietor. 

Near the First Bridge in the Cauterskill Clove. 



4 



A very Pleasant Location and Favorite 
Resort. 

Comfortable Rooms. Excellent Table. Terms, $7 to $10. 
Watering Tank for Horses. 

HENSONVILLE. 

GRIFFIN'S RURAL RETREAT. 

Situated in a Pleasant Hamlet of the Catskills ; Two Tele- 
graph offices and Post-office within a stone's throw of the 
House. Fine accommodation for drives to places of interest. 
House New, and newly furnished. Terms low. 

For particulars address O. S. GRIFFIN, Prop'r, 

Hensonville, N. Y. 



♦ 



RUSK'S GUIDE. -HAINES" FALLS REGION. "9 

Clifton House! 



On the Catskill Mountains. 



Pleasant Location, four miles West of Catskill Mountain House, 
two miles West of Laurel House. 

ORROSITE MAINES=' RAl_l_a_ 

Terms for Families, Reasonable. 

For further particulars address E. F. HAINES, 

P. O. Box 71, Catskill, N. Y. 
Telegraph Address, Haines' Falls, N. Y. 
Carriages and an Authorized Agent at the Landing in Catskill. 

SHADY GROVE HOUSE! 

Catskill Mountains. J. U'Hara, I'roprietor. 

This House, having been enlarged, has accommcxlations for 35 guests. 
Located in the centre of all the attractive points of interest, 3 miles from 
Mountain House, Yz mile from Haines' Falls. Daily Mail and Telegraphic 
Facilities. Conveyances on the premises for Pleasure Parties. For Terms and 
Particulars, address J. O'HARA, Box 332, CatskUl, N. Y. 

Telegraph Address, Haines' Falls, N. Y. 

Miles A. Haines' Corner, 

ON THE CATSKILLS, 

Near Haines' Falls and other celebrated Mountain Resorts, 
and on the Stage Road. The accommodations have been 
recently much improved, and increased by the addition of a 
small Cottage with seven rooms. 

Inquire for GILBERT HAINES' STAGES at the Boat. 

Reference: Hiram Dixon, 59 Broadway, New York. 

MILES A. HAINE3, Proprietor. 
P. O. Address, Tannersville, Greene Co., N. Y. 

Telegraph Address, Hames' Falls, N. Y. 



I20 RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE, 

THE MOUNTAIN HOME, 

Tannersville, Greene County, N. Y. 
Aaron Roggen, Proprietor. Will P. Ellis, Clerk. 



This house is located on the Catskill Mountains, 15 miles 
from Catskill, accessible by a daily line of Mail stages. 

Good Trout Fis/ii/ii:^ in the Season. 

Conveya)ucs on the premises for Pleasure Parties. 

Post-office and Telegraph Office in the House. 

For further particulars api)ly to More, Nicoll & Fitch, No. 
7 Warren St., or Thomas Groves, with A. T. Stewart & Co., 
New York. 

Tannersville Cottage, : 

Tannersville, Greene Co., N. Y. » 

,\ >iE\v House with Large and Airy Rooms, on the Cats- 
kill Moutains, 14 Miles from Catskill Landing. 

Accessible by a Daily Line of Mail Stages. 

Post-office and Telegraph Office are but two minutes' walk 
distant. 

Former patrons of this house have been well suited, and no 
pains will be spared to continue to make this a pleasant Sum- 
mer Resort. Accommodations for 20, at reasonable terms. 
GEO. CAMPBELL, Proprietor. 

ELM COTTAGE, 

Tannersville, Greene County, N. Y. 

This House is situated in a pleasant spot on the Mountains, 15 miles from 
Catskill, and has accommodatiuns for tifteen people. It will he the endeavor 
to continue to give satisfaction to its patrons. The Post-office and Telegraph 
Office are vvithui live minutes' walk. Terms and full particulars furnished on 
application. Miss L. A. CRAIG. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE. I2» 

Cascade House, 

Tannersville, Greene County, N. Y. 



This House is located on the western slope of the Ca'skill Mountains ; 15 
miles from Catskill, and 6 miles from Catskill Mountain Mouse. Accessible 
by daily stages. Post-office and Telegraph Office within 15 rods of the House. 

TERMS VERV MOOERATE- 
Conveyances on the premises for parlies of pleasure, and meeting parties at 
the Boats and Cars. 

G. N. EGGI.ESTON, Proprietor. 

MEADOW-BROOK HOUSE, 

Catskill Mountains, 15 Miles from Catskill. 



Summer Board at ReasonableRates. 

Carriages and Horses on the Premises. 

This House is pleasantly located on the western slope of the Mountains, 
near a delightful meadow brook, with cheerful sunoundings. 

Address A. STIMPSON HAINES, 

Tannersville, Greene Co., N. Y. 

FOUR-HORSE STAGES 



PALENVILLE, TANNEHSYILLE, 

HUNTER AND LEXINGTON 

Leave Catskill Daily, 
Connecting with Catskill Boats Each Way. 

GILBERT HAINES, Proprietor. 



122 RUSK'S GUIDE. -HAINES' FALLS REGION. 

MAPLEWOOD. 

This long established House is located amid the chief attract- 
ions of the Catskills at an elevation of about 2,000 feet. Some 
large, airy rooms have recently been added, and it has comfor- 
table accommodations for 25 people. 

Daily Mail. Post-office and Telegraph Office near. 
Terms and particulars, and best of references in New York, 
Philadelphia, Boston and other cities, furnished. 

E. H. LAYMAN, Tannersville. N. Y. 

GLEN COTTAGE, 

CATSKIL_l_ MOUNTAIN3_ 
This Summer Resort is capable of accommodating 45 guests. Located in r. 
quiet, romantic neighborhood, amidst beautiful mountain scenery. Elevation 
2,500 feet. Directly opposite High Peak and Round Top ; four miles west cf 
the Mountain House, three miles from tlie Laurel House or Cautcrskill Fall;-, 
one and a half miles from Haines' Falls, and fifteen miles from the landing at 
Catskill. Accessible by H. R. R. R., Albany Day Boats, and Calskill Steam- 
boats, to Catskill, where a conveyance will be in waiting. 

OWEN GLENNON, Proprietor. 
Po^t ofiice Address, Catskill, Greene County, N. Y. 
Telegraph Address, Haines' Falls, N. Y. 

ROBERT KERR'S 

DAILY STAGE 

For Palenville and the Haines' Falls Region. 

Meets the Boats and Trains at Catskill. Always in waiting 
upon arrival of the Day Boats, 

Only authorized conveyance for The Vista, the next house 
to the Haines' Falls House. 



Rusk's Illustrated G-uide to the Catskill Mountains ; 

with Maps and Plans, 75 cents. Guide, complete, without Guyot's 
Map,?25 cents. 

G-Uyot'S Map of the Catskills, covers, pocket form, 75 cents. 

Rusk's Map of the Heart of the Catskill Mountains, 

covers, pocket form, 25 cents. 

The aboveVorks are for sale at numerous places in the Catskills. Mailed 
upon receipt of price. 

SAMUEL E. RUSK, CatskiU, N. Y. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— HUNTER. 123 

Hunter House, 

Hunter, Greene County, N. Y. 



This Hotel is now Open for the Accommodation of Boarders 
and the PubUc Generally. 



Daily Line of Stages between Hunter and Phoenicia, con- 
necting with all trams to and from New York. 

Parties met with private conveyance if desired. 

M. C. VAN PELT. 

FURNITURE. 

D. B. BALDWIN & CO., 

HUNTER, N.Y., 

Dealers in 

Parlor, Chamber and Dining Room 

FURNITURE, 

BEDDING, SPRING BEDS, &c. 

We make a specialty of Furnishing Hotels and 
Boarding Houses. 



124 RUSK'S GUIDE.— HUNTER. 

Central House, 

HUNTER, 
Greene County, New York. 

(See illustration in descriplion of Hunter.) 

This house is located in the beautiful Village of Hunter, in 
the heart of the Catskills. It has ample grounds and plenty of 
shade. Piazzas about 150 feet in length. Pure spring water on 
each floor. No bar. The locality aftbrds freedom from chills 
and fever, malaria and hay fever. 

Hunter Mountain — the highest of the Catskills. 4040 feet — 
and the rugged spur, the Colonel's Chair, rise directly m front. 
(See map, in this book.) Among the drives, over good roads, 
may be mentioned, to the Catskill Mountain House, Kaaters- 
kill Falls, Haines' Falls, Plaaterkill, Tannersville, Stony Clove, 
Grand View and Windham. There are many well shaded 
walks to places of interest. 

The most direct route to Hunter is via Hudson River to 
Rondout ; thence by rail to Phoenicia, and by stage through 
the renowned Stony Clove, where ice remains even in mid Sum- 
mer. Private conveyances will meet parties at Phcenicia if 
desired. Daily mail between here and New York. Post-office, 
next door. Two Telegraph Offices. Two Physicians. Three 
Churches. 

Circulars giving full information and reference to former 
patrons furnished on application. Address the proprietors, 

J. Rusk & Son. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— NEWSPAPERS. 125 

THE EXAMINER, 

ISSUED EVERY SATURDAY MORNING. EIFTY-SECOND 
YEAR OF PUB Lie A TION. 



M. H. TROWBRIDGE, Editor and Proprietor. 

A large nine-column paper containing all the local county 
and summei resort news Arrivals at the leading hotels also 
reported. 

TERMS, - - $1.50 in advance. 



The Steam Job Printing Department 

Of the Office IS complete in all reapecrs. 
Office in Martin's Building. 301 Main St. 

CA~rSKIl_L_ „ N... V , 

THE COXSACKIE NEWS, 

A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER, ESTABLISHED IN 1867 



Contains a full report of all news, both foreign and local. 
Especial attention given to the news of Greene county. 

NOT THE BEST PAPER 

In the county, perhaps, but taking no back seat for any other. 

A GOOD ADVERTISING MEDIUM, AND 
RATES MODERATE. 

A First-class Job Printing- Department is run with 
the Paper, and new type and power jjresses put us on a good 
business footing with our cotemporaries. 

Terms of Subscription to News, $1.50/^;- Annum, strictly in 
advance. 75 cents for six months. 

WM. p. FRANKLIN. S. M. AUSTIN. 



126 RUSK'S GUIDE.— AMERICAN GUIDE BOOKS. 

THE 

AMERICAN GUIDE BOOKS. 



New England : with 6 Maps atid 1 1 CUv Plans. 

Before you begin to travel in New England, be sure to provide yourself with 
Sweetser's "Hand Book." It is a small compact volume, with maps and 
plans and tours ; with history condensed, and such illustrations as make it a 
constant help and pleasure to the tourist. It is admirably put together and is 
a vast labor-saving guide for one who wishes to know what to see and what 
he is seeing. —Rev. Dr. Prime, in New York Observer. 

It is about as nearly faultless as such a book can be. — New York Tribune. 

The book is compact and crowded • • • -The information in regard to 
the different localities is full, minute and exact. — Boston Transcript. 

It is by all odds the best book of the kind that ever has appeared, leaving 
all others tar behind— so far, indeed, that they are out of siglit of it. — Boston 
Traveler. 

The Middle States : with 8 Maps and ij City Plans, 

No previous manual is so copious or so exact in its treatment, or can be con- 
sulted to so great advantage by the tourist in the Middle States as a trust- 
worthy g\i\AQ.—NdW York Tribune. 

The maps alone are worth the price of the volume, which is crammed with 
knowledge like a traveler's valise with luggage. — Daily Graphic. 

The work is very faithfully done, and the 500 pages are crammed with facts 
usetul to the tourist. — Springfield Republican, 

The Maritime Provinces : with 4 Maps and 4. City Plans. 

By its intrinsic value, copiousness of information, and impartiality, it is 
likely to take the place of all other guides or handbooks of Canada which we 
know of. — Quebec Chronicle. 

In graphic and picturesque description, In completeness and fullness of in- 
formation, and in clear insight into a traveler's needs and perple.\ities, this 
guide book is not to be excelled, — Boston Journal. 

Tlie White Mountains : with 6 Plans and 6 Panoramas. 

Altogether, in plan and workmanship, this guide-book is as perfect a thing 
of its kmd as could well be produced. It is simply indispensable to all who 
visit or sojourn among the White Mountains. — 7 he Coiigregationalist. 

By far the best guide through that favorite region of summer tourists that has 
yet been published. Indeed, the book combines all the information that any 
intelligent being can possibly need for making a thorough exploration of the 
White Mountain country, on foot, by rail, by stage or carriage. — PMla. 
Bulletin. 

*,* Price $2,00 each. For Sale by Booksellers. 
Sent by mail on receipt of price by the Publishers, 

HOUGHTON, OSGOOD & CO., Boston. 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— TANNERSVILLE, 1^? 

BLYTHEWOOD. 

This Summer Resort, beautifully situated in the heart of 
the Catskill Mountains, will be open for Boarders (he ist of 
June. It IS accessible from Catskill village, by two daily lines 
of stages. The house is new, has all modern conveniences, 
and is comfortably furnished throughout There is abundant 
shade, fine lawn and croquet ground on the premises. Good 
trout fishing in the neighborhood during the season. 

Comfortable private conveyances can always be furnished for 
pleasure parties, and will be sent to meet guests on the arrival 
of cars or steamboat, when desired. 

Post-office and Telegraph Station within half a mile of the 
house. 

Mrs. ALEX. HELMSLEY, 

Taiuiersville, Greene Co., N. Y. 

FAIRMOUxVFPlOUSE, 

TANNERSVILLE, GREENE CO., N. Y. 

WILLIAM WOODEN, Proprietor. 
This is a new house, with larqe and airy rooms ; locatpcl in the western slope 
of the Caiskills, sixteen miles from Catskill Lantling, and six miles west of the 
Catskill Mountain House. Daily stages from Catskill. Telegraph and Post- 
office one-fourth mile distant. Conveyances for pleasure parlies. 

For further particulars inquire of Rev. A. Crosby, 96 Orange St., Brooklyn. 

JACOB FROMER, 

TANNERSVILLE, 

SELLS 

Zephvr Worsteds, 

Germantown Yarns, 

Hosiery, Boots and Shoes, 

AND A 

General Assortment of Notions and Dry Goods. 

CONFECTIONERY, FRESH FRUITS, 
DRUGS AND GROCERIES. 

Store but a few steps east of the Post-office. 



128 RUSK'SGUIDE.— LAMPS, ARCHERY, LAWN TENNIS; 

1801. HINRICHS' 1879. 

BAZAAR. 

St. Germain Study-Lamp, 

The best lamp for kerosene known to civiluation. 




No Smoke. 
No Odor. Safe. 
Handsome. Economical. 
Easy to manage. All of metal. 



L'URE, BRILLIANT, UNWAVERING LIGHT, 

VERY AGREEABLE TO THE EYE. 

SURPASSED ONLY BY THE 

ELECTRIC LIGHT. 

Medals of the Centennial, American Institute, 
etc. Patronized by the (jovernnient. Army and 
Navy, professional men, engineers and mechanics. 
My lamp is the Original. All others with this 
burner are infringements. None genuine without 
my naiTTE on chimney-holder. 

I import and manufacture 

Archery, Lawn Tennis, 

And all Out-I>oor Games and Sports, Pastimes and Amusements. 

DRESDEN CHINA, BRIC-A-BRAC, RICH CUT AND ENGRAVED 

GLASSWARE, STATUARY, CLOCKS, BRONZES, MUSIC 

BOXES. A FULL LINE OF FANCY GOODS. 

All Toys from a tallyho to a penny whistle. Send for Priced Catalogue. 
Goods sent to any part of the world in any quantity. 

C. F. A. HINRICHS, 

29, 31 & 33 Park Place, N. Y. 



RUSK'S GUIDE— EASY CHAIRS. 

BEST IN THE WORLD 



129 




dl 



With or without Reading Table. 



No Ouice, Library (public or private), Sitting-room, or Piazza, 
should be without some of my Rocking Chairs ; so roomy, so 
easy and durable. Try my Puritan Rocker, or Old Point 
Comfort, and you will find Jvest. 

My Reading and Writing Table 
is separate from chair, and is se- 
cured in position by a strong but- 
ton. Is easily adjusted to nearly 
all kinds of arm-chairs, but should 
be used on my No. 4, 5, or 13, to 
give complete satisfaction. Table 
can be set at any angle desired, or 
lowered to good position for writ- 
ing. Makes a nice table for an 
invalid. Cutting-board for the' 
ladies. None of your little 7x9 
affairs, but is 16x32 inches. Can- 
not be got out of order. 

FOR SALE BY THE TRADE. 

MANUK.\CTURIiD IJY 

F. A. SINCLAIR, Mottville, N.Y. 

Send stamp for Illustrated Price List. 

Shipped as freight or expressed to all parts of the United 
States. 




I30 RUSK'S GUIDE.— ROGERS'' STATUARY. 

ROGERS' GROUPS, 

$10 and Upward. 




THE PEDDLER AT THE FAIR. 



The Peddler is on horseback, with his box of jewelry before 
him, and watches with interest the result of the solicitations of 
the young lady by his side, who is coaxing her father to buy a; 
necklace. 



These G-roups are Packed to go with safety to any 
part of the World. 



[See opposite page. 



M 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— ROGERS' STATUARY. 131 

ROGERS' GROUPS. 

HIDE AND SEEK, (Hoy) $50 00 

HIDE AND SEEK, (Girl) 50 00 

PEDESTAL— for Hide and Seek— each 10 00 

BUBBLES 35 00 

FAIRY'S WHISPER 25 00 

FUGITIVE'S STORY 20 00 

COUNCIL OF WAR 20 00 

THE MOCK TRIAL 20 00 

CHALLENGING THE UNION VOTE 20 00 

POLO 15 00 

THE PHOTOGRAPH— THE PAIR 15 00 

THE PEDDLER AT THE FAIR 15 00 

TAKING THE OATH 1500 

THE FAVORED SCHOLAR 15 oc 

PRIVATE THEA'i'RICALS 15 oc 

THE TRAVELING MAGICIAN 15 00 

WEIGHING THE BAP.Y 15 oo 

CHECKERS UP AT THE FARM , 15 00 

TAP (_)N THE WINDOW 15 00 

WASHINGTON 15 00 

THE FOUNDLING 15 00 

COMING TO THE PARSON 15 00 

COURTSHIP IN SLEEPY HOLLOW 15 00 

ONE MORE SHOT 15 00 

WOUNDED SCOUT 15 00 

UNION REFUGEES 15 00 

COUNTRY POST-OFFICE 15 00 

SCHOOL EXAMINATION 15 oc 

CHARITY PATIENT 15 00 

UNCLE NED'S SCHOOL 15 00 

RETURNED VOLUNTEER 15 00 

PLAYING DOCTOR ". 15 00 

SCHOOL DAYS 12 00 

PARTING PROMISE 12 00 

RIP VAN WINKLE AT HOME 12 00 

RIP VAN WINKLE ON THE MOUNTAIN 12 00 

RIP VAN WINKLE RETURNED 12 00 

WE BOYS 12 00 

MAIL DAY 10 00 

TOWN PUMP 10 00 

PICKET GUARD 10 00 

GOING FOR THE COWS 10 00 

THE SHAUGHRAUN AND "TATTERS" 10 00 

HOME GUARD 10 00 

ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES may be had on application, or will be 
mailed by enclosing ten cents to 

JOHN ROGERS, 
23 Union Square, (formerly 1155 Broadway,) New York. 

"tUiiS'i state where you saw this Advertisement. 



132 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. 



The Scientific American. 



THIRTY-FOURTH YEAR. 

THE MOST POPULAR SCIENTIFIC PAPER IN THE WORLD. 

Only $3-23 a Year, includint^ Postage. Weekly. 52 Numbers a year 
4,000 book pa::;es. The Scientific American is a kiae First Class Weekly 
Newspaper of Sixteen Pages, printed in the most beautiful style, profusely 
l/iiistmted with spLndiJ tiigraviiigs, rei^rcseiitiiig the newest Inventions anc; 
the most recent Advances in the Arts and Sciences ; incUiding New and Inter 
•istiii<r Facts in Agriculture, Horticulture, the Home, Health, Medical Progress, 
Social Science, Natural History, Geologv, Astronomy. The most valuable 
practical papers, by eminent writei^s in all departments of Science, will l)c 
found in the Scientific American ; 

Terms, $3.20 per year, $1.60 half year, which includes postage. Discount 
10 Agents. Single copies ten cents. Sold by all Newsdealers. Remit by 
p istat order to MUNN & CO., Publishers, 37 Park Row, New York, 
■^j M ■Tfw»7g-pjBf«Cg In connection with the Scientific 

MrJA. lAi JSMjLVk JL »3i American, Messrs. Mi'NN & Co. are 
Solicitors of American and Foreign Patents, have had 34 years experience, and 
How have the largest establishment in the world. Patents are obtained on 
llie l)est terms. A special notice is made in the Scientific American 
of all Inventions patented through this Agency, with the name and residence 
i)f the Patentee. By the immense circulation tl;us given, public attention is 
directed to the merits of the new patent, and sales or introduction often easily 
ertected. 

Any pei-son who has made a new discovery or invention, can ascertain, free 
of charge, whether a patent can probably be obtained, by writing to the under 
signed. We also send frc-e our Hand Book about the Patent Laws, Patents, 
Caveats, Trade Marks, their costs, and how procured, with hints for procurini: 
advances on inventions. Address for the Paper, or concerning Patents, 

MUNN & CO., 37 Park Row, New York. 

Branch Office, Cor F & 7th Sts., Washington, D. C. 

ESTABLISHED iSjo. 



m 




(2:^yZ^^^-A^ 




studio 241 Warren Street, Hudson, N. Y. 

PHuTOGiiAPHV, in all i's branches. Carbon Photographs, Transparencies 
and Porcelains— guaranteed to 1)0 unalterable. This is the only Gallery be- 
tween New York "and Albany where these pictures are made. Frames, Al- 
bums. Passepanouts, Engravings, Chromos, oic. Latest styles and Publica- 
tions always on hand. 



133 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— INSTRUCTION. 




Claverack Colls^jo and Hudson River Institute, 

Rev. ALONZO FLACK, Ph. D., President, 
Is one of the lar,;t'st and best sustained Boarding Institutions for both sexes in 
this couuUy, an 1 is located in the village of 

Claverack, Columbia County, New York, 

Three miles from Hudson and eight from Catskill, commanding a fine view of 
the Catskill Mountains and Mountain House. 

The Building contains 240 Rooms : comprising 146 furnished rooms, accom- 
modating two pupils each; 13 Professors' and Teachei-s' rooms; 12 Lecture and 
Recitation, 28 Piano, and 4 Literary Society and Reading rooms ; a Library, 
an Armory; a Drill Hall and Gymnasium; a Chapel; 2 Offices; and 35 rooms 
for Domestics, and Domestic and Culinary purposes. 

The Institution has a fine set of Chemical and Philosophical Apparatus, and 
a large Library. 

There are Eleven Departments of Instruction : English, Normal, Classical, 
French, German, Musical, Painting, Military, Commercial, Agricultural and 
TelegrapWc. Each department receives the especial attention of the instructor 
in charge. 

In addition to tire general Aoademic and special courses of study, there is a 
Collegiate Course for Women, prescribed by the Board of Regents, which 
entitles. those having completed it to the degree of Batchelor of Arts. 

For Catalogues, apply to 

ALONZO FLACK, President. 



134 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— CLOCKS. 



ITHACA 

CALENDAR CLOCK. 




A Perpetual Mechanical Calendar con- 
nected with the most Superior Eight 
and Thirty-day (cither weight or 
spring) Clock Movements. 

IT INDICATES rERl'ETUALLY 

The Day of the Month, 

The Month of the Year. 
The Hour of the Day, 

The Day of the Week. 

Calendars Printed in the Enijlish, Spanish, I'orlugCbe, Frencn, German, 
Russian, Turkish, and Asiatic Languages. H 

It is indisDensable to every place of business — a necessity in 
every household. Manufactured in numerous styles, ranging 
widely in prices to suit the various wants of the pubHc. All 
clocks are thoroughly regulated, and calendars mechanically 
worked through the changes of eight (8) years of time before 
leaving the manufactory. For sale by all leading jewelers in 
the United States and Canada. 

Catalogues and Price Lists mailed, and inquiries answered 
promptly on application. 



Ithaca Calendar Clock Company, 

Manufactory at ITHACA, N. Y. 

New York Office with "Waterbury Clock Co., No. 4 
Cortlandt Street. 



J 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— INDEX. 



»3S 



INDEX. 



TAGE. 

Alligator Rock, 84 

Altitudes, 9 

Amphitheatre, The 38 

Artists' Grotto, 35 

Artist's Rock, 84 

Austin's Glen, 25 

Bastion Falls, , 71 

Dears' Den, 84 

Bellevue Point, 62 

Bishop's Rock, 109 

Black Crook Falls, .' . . . 32 

Board, Price of 12 

Bowlder, The 82 

Bridal Veil Falls, 28 

Buttermilk Falls, 59 

Cairo, I i I 

Catskill, Conveyance from, to 

the Alountains, 15 

Distances from 25 

Plan of 19 

Catskill Lakes, 83 

Catskill Mountain House, 7^ 

Catskill Mountain House Region 78 

Drives, 80 

Walks, 79 

Catskill Point, 13 

Catskill Station, 14 

Catskill Village and Vicinity, ... 21 

Walks, 24 

Catskills, The il 

Routes to the 13 

Cautei-skill Clove 35 

Cellar, The 85 

Central House, Illustration of . . . 99 

Church's Ledge, 36 

Clura Hill, Drive in Tannersville 96 

Walk in Tannersville, 92 

Cold Spring 103 

Colonel's Chair, 102 

Comfort Spring, 53 



I'AUE. 

Conveyance from Catskill to the 

Mountains, 15 

Council Bluff, 73 

Crystal Spring, 48 

Deep Chasm, 36 

Delmura Fall, 52 

Devil's Kitchen, 108 

Devil's Tombstone, 105 

Directory, Hotel and Boarding- 

House, 7 

Domuiie's Nose, 108 

Dramatic Rock, ." 108 

Dnpping Rock, 39 

Druid Rocks, 82 

Drummond Falls, 30 

Illustration of 31 

Echo Lake, no 

Elfin Pass 82 

Falls : 

Bastion, 71 

Black Crook, 32 

Bridal Veil, 28 

Buttermilk, 59 

Delmura, 52 

Dmmmond, 30 

Fawn's Leap, 38 

Five Cascades, The .... 49 

Haines', 48 

Illustration of 45 

Kaaterskill, 68 

Illustration of 69 

La Belle, 35 

More, 36 

Santa Cruz, 55 

Illustration of 11 

Spray, 48 

Viola, . . 59 

White Fawn, 32 

Wild Cat, 59 



136 



RUSK'S GUIDE.— INDEX. 



Fairy Spring, , 82 

Fat Man's Delight, 82 

Fawn's Leap, 38 

Feather-bed Lane, 39 

Five Cascades, The 49 

Glen Evans, 109 

Glen Mary, 72 

Grace's Bridge, . . 108 

Grant House, 24 

Great Bear, 82 

Greene County Fish Hatchery, . 32 

Gulf, The 3^ 

Gunn's Hotel, 22 

Haines' Falls, 48 

Illustration of 45 

Haines' Falls Region, 43 

Drives, 47 

Walks, • 46 

Hawkins' Rock, 109 

Haiisonville, Hi 

High Peak. Walk from the 

Haines' Falls Region,.... 52 

Hillyer's Ravine, , 36 

Hope Hollow, 25 

Hunter, 97 

Drives, ...,,,..,.....:■. loo 

Walks, .... A , 98 

Hunter Mountain, 100 

Hunter Turnpike, 35 

Hurricane Ledge, ........... 53 

Hygeia Spring, 88 

Iron Duke, 108 

Irving House, 22 

Illustration of 115 

Jacob's Ladder, in Haines' Ra- 
vine, 50 

Jacob's Ladder, on North Mt. . . 84 

Jefterson, 24 

Kaaterskill Falls, 68 

Illustration of 69 

Kimball's Rock, 109 

Kingston, 16 

Kiskatom, 16 

La Belle Falls, 35 

Lake Creek Bridge, 38 

Land-slide, The Great 39 

Laurel House, 65 

IllusU-ationof . . . .3d p. of cover. 



Laurel House Region, 6; 

Drives, 61 

Walks, 66 

Leeds, 1 

Lemon Squeezer, 82 

Lovers' Retreat, 94T 

Map of the Catskills, Guyot's, 

{in one edition,) 5 

Map of the Heart of the Catskill 

Mountains, 41 

Mary's Glen, 88 

Minister's Face, 108 

Minnehaha Spring, log 

More Bridge, 36 

Illustration of 37 

More Falls, . , 36 

Moses' Rock, . . '. 88 

Mossy Brook, 103 

Naiad's Bath, . . . 50 

Illustration of 51 

Newman's Ledge, ; .... 85 

Noah's Ark, 62 

North Lake 83 

old Man of the Mountain, 22 

Old Tannery Ruins, 38 

Outlook, The 85 

.Overlook Ledge, 108 

Overlook Mountain House, .... 106 

Overlook Mt., Illustration of. . 107 

Overlook Mt. House Region, . . . 106 

Palenville, 27 

Drives, 29 

Walks, 29 

Palenville Overlook. Walk from 

Palenville, 34 

Parker Hill. Walk or Drive 

from Tanneisville, 94 

Picnic Rock, 105 

Plan of Catskill, 19 

Point of Rocks, 36 

Prospect Ledge, 84 

Prospect Park Hotel, 21 

Illustration of 18 

Prospect Rock. Walk from the 

Laurel House, 74 

Profile Rock, 36 

Pudding-stone Hall, 81 

Pulpit Rock, in Stony Clove, . . . 105 

Pulpit Rock, on Overlook Mt, . . loB 



RUSK'S GUIDE.-INDEX. 



137 



Raspberry Lane, 93 

Red Chasm, 36 

Rhiiieheok, 16 

Rifted Rocks, 56 

Rip Van Winkle, 87 

Rogers' Statuary, 130 

Rondout, 16 

Routes to the Catskills, 13 

Santa Cruz Falls. Walk in the 

I laines' Falls Region, 55 

Illustration of ii 

Illustration of view from. . . 57 

Shelving Rock, 50 

Illustration of 51 

Shuc's Lake, no 

vSleepy Hollow, 87 

South' Lake, S3 

Illustration of 83 

South Mountain, 81 ' 

Sphinx, on South Mountain, .... 81 

Sphin.x. The. 61 

Spiay Fall, 48 

Spray House, 68 

Star Rock, on Parker Hill, .... 95 

Star Rock, on South Mountain, 81 

Stony Clove, , 103 

Stony Clove Xotch, 103 

Illustration of 104 

Stygian Lake, 105 



Style's Gorge, 108 

Sunset Rock, on North Mt., 84 

Sunset Rock. Walk in the Lau- 
rel House Region, 72 

Tannersville, 89 

Drives, gi 

Walks, 91 

The Sphin.x, or Noah's Ark. 
Walk from the Haines' Falls 

Kegion, 61 

Tl.ME TABLE : 

(Omitted in this edition.) 
Catskill Night Boats, 2d p. eover. 

Turning .Shop, 90 

Turtle Rock, 109 

.View of llie Mounjtains from Cats- 
kill. Illustration 23 

Viola Falls, 59 

Walk between the Haines' Falls 

Region and the Laiuel House, 

by path via Prospect Rock, . . 60 

Walk from Laurel House to the 

Haines lialls Region, by path 

via Prospect Rock, 73 

Wellington's Rock, 108 

White Fawn Falls, 32 

Wild Cat Falls, 59 

Windham, 1 1 1 



138 RUSK'S GUIDE.-LAUREL HOUSE. 

THE 

AT THE KAATER8K1LL 1 ALLS, 

Catskill Mountains, i^ Miles West of Mountain House. 
J. L. SCHTJTT, Proprietor. 



This new and spacious Hotel, recently enlarged and re-fur- 
nished, is located at the celebrated Kaaterskill Falls, on 
the eastern summit of the Catskills. 

The Falls have been well described by Bryant and Cole, 
and by Cooper in The Pioneers. The first Fall is nearly two 
hundred feet high, and the water looks like flakes of snow as it 
strikes in the pool below. Working along the rocky shelf, it 
falls another hundred feet, and then descends the wooded glen 
in a succession of cascades. 

'. In the immense rocky amphitheater which sweeps like ma- 
son work in the rear of the first Fall, are paths on which the 
visitor may pass entirely around behind the falling water. 
Through the wide ravine may be seen the western side of High 
Peak and the adjacent mountains. The walks in the vicinity 
include those to Sunset Rock, North and South Mountains, 
and Haines' Falls, and there are pleasant drives through the 
Cauterskill Clove and over the adjacent mountains. 

Good hunting and trout fishing in the neighborhood. 

A wing, 50x50 feet, has recently been added to the House, 
greatly extending the accommodations at this popular resort. 
Carriages, Stages and an authorized Agent in attendance at 
the Cars and Boats, Catskill. 



FRANCE'S GREATEST ORGANIST. 

In France to-day the highest ambition of the organist, as well as the crowning hon-| 
or which can be conferred upon him, is the appointment of "Organist of the Church j 
of the Madeleine, Paris." It is with no small satisfaction, therefore, that Messrs.,! 
EsTEY & Co. present the following testimonial from the present occupant of that I 
proud position, far outranking any decision of juries : 

"I have played upon the organs of Messrs. EsTKY & Cd., and have been charmed 
with their quality of tone, which comes veiy near that of a pipe organ, and also withj 
the resources it gives to the player. Camille de Saint Saens. j 



Hi 313 " 



ORGANS TO RENT. 



Warren Street, 






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SteJDwaf , GlilcteriiiE aiifl Haioes Bro's 

PIANOS, 
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. 

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Po.Sjiessing all the modern improvements. We are 
now ofl'ering a splendid variety of bargains in 

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T" PIANOS TO RENT. 



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CHICKERING (^:^-54,000£ 



PIANOS, 



OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF WORKMANSHIP 
Fully Attest their Superior Character- 
ALWAYS TRIUMPHANT. WHEREVER AND WHENEVER EXHIBITED. 
Send tor Illustrated Price List and Discount to J. H. W. CADBY & SON, 

General Agents, Hudson, N Y. 



